There’s few events which are more meaningful to organisers than the annual Dubbo Waratahs Rugby League Knockout.
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The event is on again this weekend and yet again is expected to be the biggest and the best yet.
Now in its seventh year, the Waratahs Knockout has enjoyed continual growth in terms of teams on the field and development off the field as well.
Not only does the event showcase a huge amount of talent within the western region, but it also allows people access to numerous services they may not have normally, all while promoting a positive message.
“We’ve gone form 16 teams to 24 now,” Waratahs president Thomas ‘Spock’ Toomey said.
“It’s a celebration of rugby in the western area. Especially for Indigenous people and we’re also about reconciliation.
“Non-Indigenous players are allowed to play in our carnival and I think we all need to move along and get along together.
“At Waratahs, that’s what we’re trying to do.”
There will be a huge amount of talent on show.
All competitions in the Western Rams region are expected to feature, those being Group 11, Group 10, the Castlereagh, Barwon Darling, and Outback leagues as well as the Woodbridge and New Era cups.
On top of that, plenty of visitors are also expected to show their wares.
A number of former NRL players could also figure, and Toomey said Matty Bowen and Tonga brothers Willie and Esi are likely to be in action.
“People are going to see some of the best football you have seen,” he said.
“The talent that is running around, you’ve got Esi Tonga and some retired NRL boys here and they’ll be more than happy to have photographs and sign autographs as well.”
A lot of the players will be turning out for memorial sides, honouring family members.
That is another thing which makes knockout carnivals special, with family members getting the sometimes rare chance to play alongside each other.
“We’ve got a lot of memorial sides and a lot of families,” Toomey said.
“People put a lot of heart and soul into a little knockout like ours. Hopefully it keeps getting bigger, too.”
Teams will be coming from as far as Wilcannia, Condobolin and Bathurst to compete on the weekend.
There will also be a golden oldies game on Sunday afternoon that is sure to be one of the highlights.
That will be played out before the final on Sunday evening.
As well as the matches on the field, there will also be services from Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, Mid Lachlan Aboriginal Housing Management Cooperative Ltd, and others to help those in attendance.
Toomey was also keen to thank Dubbo Regional Council for allowing the event to be played at Apex Oval every year.
“This is one of the best oval and facilities in NSW, if not the best,” he said.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
