29/04/2026
Koori Knockout 2026 will be held in Raymond Terrace at Kings Park Sporting Complex October 2nd-5th
📆 October 2nd-5th 2026
📍 Raymond Terrace, NSW
The NRL’s new stance on the salary cap could have a massive impact on Indigenous footy — and honestly, it doesn’t sit right.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that injuries picked up at community carnivals like the Koori Knockout or Murri Carnival will no longer be eligible for salary-cap relief. Meaning if an NRL player gets hurt representing their mob, the club still has to carry their full salary under the cap while they recover.
On paper, it looks like just another policy tweak. But let’s be real — this could scare clubs into blocking players from taking part altogether.
And that’s the real issue.
For our Indigenous players, these carnivals aren’t just “off-season footy.” They’re a return to Country, a cultural reunion — a chance to play for family, not contracts. Blokes like Josh Addo-Carr, Cody Walker and Tyrell Sloan have always said the Knockout isn’t just a tournament — it’s identity, pride and community in motion.
The NRL says it’s about protecting clubs. But what about protecting culture?
There has to be a smarter way — one that keeps players safe, respects club investments, but still lets our biggest stars light up the Koori and Murri carnivals like they always have.
Because if footy loses that connection to community and culture… it loses a piece of its spirit too. 🖤💛❤️