The time-honoured West Wyalong Knockout will celebrate 51 years in 2024, with a record $30,800 up for grabs.
In what will surely be another classic weekend of bush footy at West Wyalong’s renowned Ron Crowe Oval, 16 teams from a handful of leading country competitions will come together on February 23-24 to compete for the $20,000 first prize. (Photo above courtesy: Tracey Robertson Videography)
“We had our 50th anniversary this year, and it was a great result, with 16 teams involved and we even had three reserves ready but nobody pulled out,” said West Wyalong Mallee Men president Matt Goodwin.
The West Wyalong Knockout is a revered pre-season competition that was close to falling over following a COVID-enforced two-year hiatus.
Returning last February, the Knockout was a rousing success and Goodwin wants to build on that momentum heading into next year and beyond.
“This year’s event was two years in the making - twice we got bowled over with COVID and then the 50th was coming up - so we made a big effort, spoke to sponsors, and raised a lot of money.
“We ended up increasing the first prize from $6,000 to $20,000, and now we offer $6,000 to second, $1,200 to third and fourth, and fifth through to eighth get their money back as it is $600 to enter.”
Goodwin, who played 154 first-grade games during a 10-year career with the Penrith Panthers, Parramatta Eels, and South Sydney Rabbitohs, has used his connections to help grow the event.
“We were fortunate enough last year to have a lot of support,” Goodwin said.
“Evolution Mining is our major sponsor, and Penrith Leagues Club and Parramatta Leagues Club throw in a bit of money.”
Before his glittering career in Sydney, Goodwin played for West Wyalong with fond memories of the Knockout that has, over the years, captured the attention of major clubs from all over country NSW.
“I played in it back in 1980, ‘81, and ‘82, and it was something else,” Goodwin said.
“They got it going in 1970s, and it started with a few teams, and it just grew and grew, and at one stage in the late 70s it was going over three weekends.
“Eventually, we restricted it to 16 teams and now it’s played on a Friday and Saturday night, and everyone gets down to it.
“The Knockout is our biggest fundraiser for the year, and we run raffles on both nights. There is a lot of support from the local community, who love their footy.
“Local clubs like Temora, Forbes, and Lake Cargelligo, who are within an hour's drive, always bring a large contingent of supporters.”
While the event is just under three months away, six of the 16 spots have been locked in, with some regulars keen to take home the rich first prize.
“We’ll have the Snowy Mountains Bears and, of course, last year’s winners Young,” Goodwin said.
“Then you've got your Group 20 sides, like Leeton, Lake Cargelligo, and us, and Temora (Group 9) are always among the first to nominate.”
For entry information for the West Wyalong Knockout email: malleemen@hotmail.com or message the West Wyalong Rugby League Mallee Men Facebook page.
