The NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout started out in 1971. Since that time it has grown to a full three day carnival with more than 60 teams competing annually over the long weekend in October It was initiated by six men who were affiliated with Koorie United, Bob Smith, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Danny Rose, Victor Wright and the late George Jackson.

Koorie United was formed in response to the rapidly expanding Aboriginal Sydney Community in the late 1960's and early 1970's

The established Sydney based Aboriginal sides, the Redfern All Blacks (with a history from the 1930's) and La Perouse, were affiliated with the South Sydney Football district. They were supported by Marrickville council, where some of the committee members worked. The first President and sponsor was Jimmy Little, who bought the jerseys, and as a mad Balmain supporter, Koorie United stated playing in Balmain Jerseys.

Following a 'meeting' at the Clifton Hotel, Redfern, of the Koorie United committee the idea of the Knockout came about. Prior to this there had been many town based football tournaments. However the establishment of the knockout set out with some different objectives. Firstly, and it cannot be separated from the excitement and heady days of the Redfern political activism, the Knockout was formed with the view to providing a stage for many and very talented Aboriginal footballers playing at the time who had been overlooked by the talent scouts.

At this time Aboriginal footballers had had difficulty breaking into the big time. So it was thought that the knockout would provide a chance for Aboriginal footballers to get noticed. Secondly, original committee member Bob Morgan says, "The Knockout was about family and community, and coming together, it was never just about football". It is believed that seven teams competed in the first Knockout in 1971 at Camdenville Oval, St Peters: Koorie United, Redfern All Blacks, Kempsey, La Perouse, Walgett, Moree and a combined Mt Druitt/South Coast side.

For the first few years of the Knockout Koorie United hosted and organised the competition. The winning teams in those early years were La Perouse United (1971), Redfern All Blacks (1972-73) Koorie United (1974) and Kempsey All Blacks in 1975. With Kempsey winning the Knockout, the first non-Sydney side, it was decided that the winning team would host the Knockout the following year, and so the tradition began. The Kempsey Knockout was memorial to the late Victor Wright Senior, a long time supporter of the Knockout and of Aboriginal Football. The original winning trophy was donated by the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs. The inscription on the trophy reads, NSW Koorie Sports Committee Annual Football Knockout "Perpetual Trophy", Donated by Foundation of Aboriginal Affairs. Throughout the 34 year history of the Knockout there have been many trophies added. Many of the trophies are memorials. Some of these trophies are dedicated to those who have made a significant contribution to the Knockout and Aboriginal football.

These include:
the William Peachey Memorial Trophy - donated by the Peachey family;
the Lance Brown Memorial Trophy presented to Bourke/Weilmoringle RLFC, Gary "Mad Mick" Kennedy;
McGrady Memorial Shield;
Tommo Tighe Memorial Shield;
Tabulam Rugby League Football Club Paul Roberts Memorial Shield;
Wesley McGrady Memorial Trophy;
Vincent Clyde Donovan Memorial Trophy - donated by the South Taree Footballers for the best 5/8 of State Knockout;
and the George "Pedro" Squires Perpetual Trophy - donated by the Greenup Family Bowraville.

(While every effort has been made in the writting of this history we accept there may be some details that aren't exactly correct, if you know of any eras please email info@wollumbin.org with these details)

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