The First Nations Dreamtime Knockout will be held at the Townsville Sports Precinct from the 16th to the 18th of October 2026.

Regular games will be played in 25-minute halves, while the Semi Finals and Grand Final will feature 30-minute halves, with a 5-minute break at half time.

A total of 32 teams will compete in the carnival, with no limit on the number of representative players per team. Each squad of 25 may include up to three non-Indigenous players, who must be clearly identified on the official team list.

Golden Point – All Games (Except Semi Finals and Grand Final)

If the scores are tied at full time, a 5-minute golden point period will be played.

If no one scores during that time, the team that scores the first try after that will win.

Extra Time – Semi Finals and Grand Final

If the game is tied, two 5-minute halves will be played.

The first team to score wins.

If no one scores in the second half, the game keeps going until someone does.

All teams must complete the Permission to Participate form and register with the carnival coordinator by the set date. All players and team staff are required to register via My Sideline, and players competing in the Open Men’s division must be at least 17 years old.

Players listed as defaulters must obtain written permission from their default club’s president, such as clearing any outstanding debt. Players aged 40 and over are required to provide a doctor’s certificate confirming they are fit to play, which must be uploaded to My Sideline; 715 Health Checks will not be accepted.