There is not a spare bed in town signifying the popularity of the 52nd annual West Wyalong Knockout taking place this weekend, according to local Rugby League club president Matt Goodwin.
“This is a big deal this tournament – has been for the past 52 years with its popularity never dropping,” Goodwin told nswrl.com.au
The top teams from Groups 9, 10, 11, 16, 20 and Canberra Rugby League will be descending on the Riverina town for tomorrow's (Friday 28 February) first round of knockout games. The winners progress to Saturday until a winner is crowned.
“We called for nominations late last year and were fully booked before Christmas with teams quick to nominate and grab a spot,” said Goodwin, who played seven years with the Penrith Panthers, two with Parramatta Eels and one with South Sydney Rabbitohs (1983-1992).
Fifteen teams are vying for the chance to win the $20,000 prize money.
They are: Tullibigeal Lake Cargelligo United Sharks, Forbes Magpies, Parkes Spacemen, West Wyalong Mallee Men (Photo above: Tracey Robertson Videography), Young Cherrypickers, Griffith Waratah Tigers, Southcity Bulls, Leeton Galloping Greens, Cooma Colts, Woden Valley Rams, Hay Magpies, Bombala Blue Heelers, Orange CYMS, Dubbo CYMS and Yanco Wamoon Hawks.
The Woden Valley Rams are defending champions.
“It’s action-packed football because it’s only 30-minute games, two 15-minute halves, so you could be the best team in the world and still get knocked out if you miss the jump,” he said.
“I think we (Mallee Men) can give it a shake but Woden Valley and Young are again looking strong. Don’t discount Forbes, Orange and Wagga either.
“It’s a great weekend of family fun and frantic football as games roll on one after another. A lot of these teams don’t face each other in a season since they’re in different Groups.”
Ron ‘Rambo’ Gibbs, the bullocking centre who played more than 150 NSWRL first grade games, will be a special guest to “meet and greet” players and spectators.
“He’s a legend… I played with him in a Country Rugby League side before he went to Eastern Suburbs and I went to Penrith,” Goodwin said.
“He ended up at Manly and won a premiership there (1987).
“I’d like to thank NSW Rugby League and the boss Dave Trodden for their support as they’ve helped immensely getting us signed Origin jerseys for our raffles.
“The West Wyalong Knockout has been around 52 years and we intend to go on for another 52.”
