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<\/p>\nMOREE is gearing up for what potentially may become one of the biggest regional sporting events in New South Wales \u2013 possibly Australia \u2013 when more than 800 players across 30 teams battle out the Western Challenge Rugby League Knock-Out at Boughton Oval on Saturday.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 and will only get bigger, says chief organiser Todd Mitchell, president of Moree Boars Rugby League Club.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis knock-out has the potential to be massive, and can grow and grow into the future,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s designed to give our Moree coaches updated and new skills that we are not always privileged to get,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same night, Moree Boars players will take part in the NRL\u2019s Voice Against Violence workshop, led by former NRL players, Dean Whare and Joseph Paulo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delivered to clubs across Australia and the Pacific, Voice Against Violence workshops aim to increase participants\u2019 awareness and understanding of the serious issue of gender-based violence.<\/p>\n
The program\u00a0is a major education initiative, utilising rugby league to promote respect and combat domestic violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage all players from 16 years and up \u2013 male and female \u2013 to attend,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a very important initiative and, as a club, Moree Boars is very proud to be involved,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
More than 800 players across 30 teams will battle out the Western Challenge Rugby League Knock-Out at Boughton Oval on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The all-important Western Challenge draw between 30 teams \u2013 24 men\u2019s and six women\u2019s \u2013 will take place at the Amaroo Tavern on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll also have a calcutta-stye auction of all the teams,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The big weekend of rugby league is supported by a long list of sponsors, including Abcare, Let\u2019s Tackle Domestic Violence, Quit and Fit and Jock\u2019s Hire Moree.<\/p>\n
Teams and spectators are expected to arrive in Moree in the days leading up to the competition,\u00a0 with the influx of several thousand people providing a significant boost to local hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors.<\/p>\n
For the Moree Boars and local organisers, the Western Challenge is more than a tournament \u2013 it\u2019s a celebration of country rugby league, community resilience and regional pride.<\/p>\n
As Mitchell says, the event not only boosts the town\u2019s economy and brings people together, but also showcases the positive side of Moree and the town\u2019s incredibly strong sporting culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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\u2019s image,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere has been a lot of work put in by the Moree Boars committee, players and helpers to put this carnival together.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll 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\u2019t need anyone or anything jeopardising the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
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