42nd Indigenous Rugby League Knockout

MEDIA RELEASE:

PORT STEPHENS WELCOMES 2012 ABORIGINAL RUGBY LEAGUE KNOCKOUT

Thousands will flock to Raymond Terrace this long weekend when the Lakeside Sporting Complex sees the running of the 42nd Annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League knockout.

93 teams have registered in open age, under 17, under 15 and Women’s competitions, with an anticipated 2,500 players and officials – and many more supporters – coming into the region in time for kick off.

Hosted in Raymond Terrace by the Metford-based Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Mindaribba Warriors, who took out the 2011 event held at Bathurst, the knockout is a much anticipated annual event for the Aboriginal and sporting community.

“The Aboriginal Rugby League knockout is one of the pre-eminent sporting and cultural fixtures on the Aboriginal calendar in New South Wales and the Mindaribba Warriors are honoured to be hosting this years event at Raymond Terrace,” Event coordinator Smiley Johnstone said.

“It’s been a year long exercise getting to this point and I’m looking forward to seeing the 93 teams in action over the course of the weekend.”

Mayor of Port Stephens, Councillor Bruce MacKenzie, will welcome teams, players and supporters to Raymond Terrace at the carnival’s official opening on Saturday.

“I’ve had a 40 year association with Aboriginal Rugby League and Aboriginal sport in general across the region and as such I’m thrilled to welcome this prestigious competition to Port Stephens,” Cr MacKenzie said.

“We welcome everyone at the knockout to Worimi land and in doing so we acknowledge and pay our respects to the Worimi people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, and their elders past and present.

“I know from past experience that competition this weekend will be fierce and that this knockout is a real focal point on the calendar for Aboriginal people throughout the state.

“I’m personally looking forward to catching as much of it as I can over the course of the long weekend.”

Action kicks off at 8.30am tomorrow, Friday 28 September, at the Lakeside Sporting Complex, Leisure Way, Raymond Terrace, with preliminary matches scheduled for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Grand Finals will be played on Monday, October 1.

Traffic delays on Richardson Road are expected for the duration of the event and changed traffic conditions will be in effect.