Koori Knockout 2023: Team news, latest additions, full fixture ahead of 51st edition of the event

With just days before the Koori Knockout, the much anticipated fixture for round one is live. See every match-up, plus see the huge name player Walgett is tipped to land for the event.

Mahalia Murphy. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Koori Knockout is fast approaching in Tuggerah, and planning is heading into overdrive with the release of the first round fixtures.

Competition powerhouses Walgett Aboriginal Connection will take on Sydney All Blacks in a bumper opening clash.

Last year’s WAC team featured Latrell Mitchell, George Rose and Ben Barba, with Josh Addo-Carr set to line up for SAB.

They were expected to also feature Tyrone Munro in their team, but will be without him after the Rabbitohs advanced to the NRL State Championship final this weekend.

Walgett is poised to land a Koori Knockout sized blow with a Dally M and Clive Churchill medallist set to link with the country club.

After they landed the huge coup of Mitchell last year, WAC is set to run out with new Rabbitohs recruit Jack Wighton in this year’s edition.

Wighton is set to be the biggest drawcard at this year’s event.

He joins a host of NRL players set to compete in this weekend’s carnival.

“WAR (Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers) have named a strong team with Jesse Ramien, Braydon Trindall and Brian Kelly,” Over The Black Dot host and former NRL star Dean Widders said.

“The (Newcastle) Yowies will be competitive. Walgett is another team - I’ve heard Jack Wighton is playing for them.”

Walgett is the home town of former NRL cult hero and No Limit CEO Rose.

La Perouse’s Blake Taaffe is also involved for the Rabbitohs, along with Shaq Mitchell.

Last year’s champions Newcastle All Blacks will be boosted by the Briggs boys once again, and face off with Dindima.

They could potentially face the Narwan Eels as soon as the second round, with the Eels boosted by a Group 19 grand final win.

Blake Ferguson and Josh Addo-Carr will both feature at the Koori Knockout. Picture: Brett Costello

Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers will be without Yileen ‘Buddy’ Gordon due to his South Sydney commitments, but will have Bailey Butler, Jonus Pearson, Treymain Spry, Jesse Ramien, Blake Ferguson, Tyrone Roberts and the Burns boys (Denzel and Gerome).

They face Koori Brothers United in the first round.

Cody Walker and the Bindjalung Baygul Warriors are on the other side of the draw, but face a mammoth first clash with the Castlereagh All Blacks.

Last year the CAB featured Tyrell Fuimaono and Jesse Ramien in the side as they made the top four.

With the Panthers and Broncos in the NRL grand final, the likes of Kotoni Staggs, Ezra Mam and Tyrone Peachey will all be unavailable.

NSW debutant Bradman Best is expected to play in one of the Newcastle teams.

As for the open women, WAR is shaping up as a contender for the men/women double with a strong roster on hand.

While Jamie Chapman and Shaylee Bent are out of action due to NRLW grand final duties, they will have a very formidable team.

Mahalia Murphy (right) of the Eels. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Dual-international Mahalia Murphy and Australian Prime Ministers XIII representative Janelle Williams lead the way.

Rabbitohs HNWP player Mahailee Gordon is joined alongside Desree Fogarty (Jamal’s sister) and CQ Capras talent Sarah Field to round out the experienced core of the side.

Cody Walker was named player of the final at the Walgett Knockout. Picture: Walgett Aboriginal Connection Facebook

WALKER TUNES UP WITH MOM EFFORT

Cody Walker has tuned up for the Koori Knockout in fine fashion.

The NSW Blues game three man of the match turned in another best on ground effort to help Montkeila Bend claim the Walgett Knockout at the weekend.

Walker has been a regular with the Bundjalung Baygal Warriors in the Koori Knockout along with brother Ryan, who returned to Queensland Cup level this year.

The Newcastle Yowies continue to roll along nicely with a win at the Blacktown Knockout.

Featuring RAB, La Perouse, Blacktown Red Belly Warriors, Mt Druitt and Waterloo, the Yowies form will again see them go into the main event as a leading contender.

Daine Laurie helped the Country Coastal Brothers to claim honours in the Lismore Knockout at the weekend with a solid 34-6 win over the Torrens Descendants.

South Sydney stars Tyrone Munro and Blake Taaffe’s attendance at the Knockout will depend on the result of the NSW Cup grand final this weekend.

Should the Rabbitohs be successful, they will advance to the State Championship on NRL grand final day.

Originally published as Koori Knockout 2023: Team news, latest additions, full fixture ahead of 51st edition of the event