Queensland vs NSW: The Rematch
Jared Borghero will lead Queensland’s Maroons in the 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series, which kicks off in Newcastle on May 30, 2026. This series promises intense competition as Queensland aims to reclaim the title from NSW, who secured their first-ever win in 2025.
The 2025 series in Sydney was a dramatic event. NSW’s bull riders, previously considered underdogs, won with 500.25 points from six qualified rides, defeating Queensland’s 419.50 points from five rides. This historic victory marked NSW’s first win in the Origin Series.
Jared Borghero, a seasoned athlete from Beaudesert, Queensland, steps up as the coach for 2026. Known for his courage and skill, he began bull riding at 15 and reached the top of his game by 2016-17, winning the prestigious Mount Isa Rodeo bull ride and securing the APRA Pro Tour title.
In 2015, Borghero found his calling as a PBR Protection Athlete. He has earned 13 Protection Athlete titles, demonstrating his exceptional ability to protect riders from raging bulls. His leadership will be crucial as Queensland strives to regain the title.
Event Schedule and Prize Details
The series will unfold across Newcastle, Brisbane, and Sydney, with the final showdown set for August 1, 2026, at the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney. Each event offers $50,000 in prize money, accumulating to $150,000 over the series. The Cowboy of Origin, the rider with the highest aggregate over the three events, will receive a $30,000 bonus.
Glen Young, PBR Australia Managing Director, remarked on the fierce rivalry, stating, “The fiercest rivalry in Australian sport isn’t just played out on the footy field; it rages in the bull riding arena too.” Tickets are on sale now, and fans eagerly await this thrilling three-event series where state pride is at stake.
Leading NSW will be Lachlan Richardson, a seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier and a respected competitor from Gresford. Both coaches are driven by a passion to lead their teams to victory.
Origin 2026 will be a test of skill and determination, beginning in Newcastle on May 30, moving to Brisbane on June 6, and culminating in Sydney on August 1. The rivalry between NSW and Queensland is set to intensify as each team prepares to showcase their best riders in this high-stakes competition.
In addition to the prize money, the honour of the Cowboy of Origin title adds another layer of competition. The series not only tests individual skill but also the strategic prowess of the coaches. As a result, the 2026 series is expected to draw large crowds, eager to witness the action-packed events.
