MOREE is gearing up for what potentially may become one of the biggest regional sporting events in New South Wales – possibly Australia – when more than 800 players across 30 teams battle out the Western Challenge Rugby League Knock-Out at Boughton Oval on Saturday.

In three short years, the Moree knock-out has quickly grown to become one of the most anticipated rugby league carnivals in regional New South Wales – and will only get bigger, says chief organiser Todd Mitchell, president of Moree Boars Rugby League Club.

“This knock-out has the potential to be massive, and can grow and grow into the future,” Mitchell said.

“In fact, Moree Boars has a huge four or five days leading up the knock-out. From Wednesday onwards, things will ramp up when the Boars host the Newcastle Knights at Boughton Oval and clubhouse for a coach-the-coaches and train-the-trainers evening.

“It’s designed to give our Moree coaches updated and new skills that we are not always privileged to get,” he said.

“The same night, Moree Boars players will take part in the NRL’s Voice Against Violence workshop, led by former NRL players, Dean Whare and Joseph Paulo.”

Delivered to clubs across Australia and the Pacific, Voice Against Violence workshops aim to increase participants’ awareness and understanding of the serious issue of gender-based violence.

The program is a major education initiative, utilising rugby league to promote respect and combat domestic violence.

“We encourage all players from 16 years and up – male and female – to attend,” Mitchell said.

“This is a very important initiative and, as a club, Moree Boars is very proud to be involved,” he said.

More than 800 players across 30 teams will battle out the Western Challenge Rugby League Knock-Out at Boughton Oval on Saturday.

The all-important Western Challenge draw between 30 teams – 24 men’s and six women’s – will take place at the Amaroo Tavern on Thursday night.

“We’ll also have a calcutta-stye auction of all the teams,” Mitchell said.

“The draw will be done on the big screen and we encourage all teams to attend as the night is always the perfect opportunity to get the final laydown of the carnival.”

Friday will see the final touches applied to the Boughton Oval complex, with Boars club members and players joining volunteers to set everything up in readiness for a 7am start Saturday, with the opening games kicking off at 8am.

The big weekend of rugby league is supported by a long list of sponsors, including Abcare, Let’s Tackle Domestic Violence, Quit and Fit and Jock’s Hire Moree.

Teams and spectators are expected to arrive in Moree in the days leading up to the competition,  with the influx of several thousand people providing a significant boost to local hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors.

For the Moree Boars and local organisers, the Western Challenge is more than a tournament – it’s a celebration of country rugby league, community resilience and regional pride.

As Mitchell says, the event not only boosts the town’s economy and brings people together, but also showcases the positive side of Moree and the town’s incredibly strong sporting culture.

“We really believe this knock-out has the potential to be one of the biggest in the state, possibly Australia, and having it each year is a tremendous boost to the Moree economy as well as the town’s image,” Mitchell said.

“There has been a lot of work put in by the Moree Boars committee, players and helpers to put this carnival together.

“All we ask is that everyone respects that, and to be on their best behaviour at all times. We have worked very hard and we don’t need anyone or anything jeopardising the event.

“The knock-out is an alcohol-free and smoke-free event. As people pay to get in at the gate, they will have a band placed on their wrist which must be left on all day,” Mitchell said.