In a town of just 3,000 people, one February weekend changes everything.
The 53rd Annual West Wyalong Pre-Season Knockout returns to Ron Crowe Oval this Friday 27 February and Saturday 28 February, with 15 regional Rugby League clubs competing for a $20,000 winner’s cheque and delivering a major economic and social boost to the region.
For more than five decades, the tournament has marked the unofficial start of the season in the Central West.
“It’s written into the folklore,” said West Wyalong Club President Matt Goodwin.
“After 53 years, everyone knows when it is knockout weekend. Every motel is booked out. The whole town benefits.”
The 15 teams, including West Wyalong Mallee Men, will travel to the small country town from across regional NSW including: Temora Dragons, Tullibigeal-Lakes United Sharks, Young Cherry Pickers, Orange CYMS, Dubbo CYMS, Cooma Stallions, Campbelltown City Kangaroos, Mudgee Dragons, Parkes Spacemen, Forbes Magpies, Leeton Greenies, Woden Valley Rams, Wagga Wagga Kangaroos and Wagga Wagga South City Bulls.
With seven games scheduled Friday night from 6.30pm and the grand final set for 9pm Saturday, the format is fast and unforgiving, with 15-minute halves and short turnarounds.
“If you go through and win it, you’re playing two hours of footy,” Goodwin said.
“It’s fairly telling on the body. You find out pretty quickly how fit you are.”
The prize pool is significant for regional clubs – $20,000 to the winner, $6,000 for the runner-up and $1,500 to each losing semi-finalist.
“For a small club, that’s a big bonus. It’s a lot of chook raffles you don’t have to sell,” said Goodwin.
“As far as our club goes, it’s our biggest money-earner for the year. It gives us security heading into the season.”
Major backing from Evolution Mining, alongside CMC (Civil Mining & Construction) and local sponsors, ensures the annual Knockout continues to grow, while signed jerseys from the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm will add extra excitement to the weekend raffles.
Beyond the dollars and the football, the Knockout and the game of Rugby League itself represents something deeper for regional communities.
“There are some pretty hard times in the bush,” Goodwin said.
“Whether it’s drought or the pressures farmers are under, the comradeship is important. It was the first thing I missed when I stepped away from Rugby League.
“It’s not just physically healthy, it’s mentally healthy to be in and around sport.”
Temora are returning for their 52nd appearance in the tournament, the only club besides West Wyalong to boast such longevity. Strong squads have been assembled across the board, promising a high-quality spectacle from the opening whistle.
“I would like to thank (NSWRL Chief Executive) Dave Trodden for all of his support,” Goodwin said.
“Dave came forward last year and really supported us when we needed it. He also donated State of Origin signed jumpers for us to raffle.
“This year he has contributed funds to help cover security costs, which is wonderful, especially for a small club town. It makes a real difference.”
