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.
Since then the Knockout has been held every year.
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 memorials. (Seen left).
This trophy (and all other memorial thophies associated with the Knockout) is currently held by last years winners (2007) the Wollumbin Warriors.
The very reason that this knockout competion claims to be the "Official New South Wales Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout" are these trophies, which have been handed down to every winning team for the last 37 years and will be again in 2008.
Following
are the Knockout Trophies:
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.
The Official New South Wales Annual Aboriginal Knockout is the only Knockout Competition endorsed by the Australian Rugby League (ARL).