Walgett celebrates win at Koori Knockout

Joel Thompson lifts the trophy for Walgett Aborighinal Connection. Photo contributed

Rugby League

Walgett was in a celebratory mood on Monday night after the Walgett Aboriginal Connection won the coveted Koori Knockout grand final against the Wiradjuri Aboriginal Rivers (WAR) team.

It was the second time in two consecutive Knockouts that Walgett had fronted up in a grand final, but this year, they shook off the disappointment of their grand final loss in 2022 to take out top honours.

Walgett had some serious star power in the side, including Ben Barba, Joel Thompson Isaiah Tass, and Jack Wighton, but it was the WAR side that set the pace, with fullback Matt Milson opening the scoring, followed by a quick second try and two conversions from Bailey Hartwig, putting Wiradjuri well ahead early in the second half 12-nil.

By half time, Walgett had replied with 10 points, though a try to Ben Barba in the 28th minute and a Chris Woodbridge try just before half time which was converted by Latrell Siegwitt. The score at halftime was 12-10 in favour of the Wiradjuri side.

Just after half-time a line break from Nathan Rose resulted in another try to Walgett – this time scored by South Sydney Rabbitohs’ centre Isaiah Tass. Siegwitt converted and the score was 16-12.[…]

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