Rivalry Heats Up as Series Begins
Lachlan Richardson, a seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier and one of the sport’s most respected competitors, is set to lead New South Wales (NSW) in the 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series. The first event kicks off on 30 May in Newcastle, followed by events in Brisbane on 6 June and culminating in Sydney at the TikTok Entertainment Centre on 1 August.
The 2026 series promises to be an exciting contest between the bull-riding teams of NSW and Queensland. NSW aims to secure a historic two-from-two victory following their first-ever Origin Series win in 2025. They defeated Queensland with a score of 500.25 points to 419.50 points, marking a significant achievement for the team.
“It’s an honour to coach Team NSW. Origin was always my favourite time of year,” said Lachlan Richardson, the NSW Coach, who hails from Gresford, NSW. His leadership will be crucial as the team attempts to build on their recent success and maintain their winning momentum.
Queensland, led by coach Jared Borghero who has transformed from a bull rider to one of the toughest Protection Athletes, is determined to reclaim the title. Their aim is to re-establish dominance in the series and take back the championship from NSW.
Each Origin Event will feature $50,000 in prize money, with a total of $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, adding further incentive for the competitors.
PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young emphasised the intensity of the competition, stating, “The fiercest rivalry in Australian sport isn’t just played out on the footy field; it rages in the bull riding arena too. Welcome to the PBR Monster Energy Origin Series, where the boys go head-to-head in the toughest test of skill, strength, and sheer grit: professional bull riding.”
Tickets for this thrilling series are currently on sale, with fans eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two passionate teams. The series not only highlights the physical prowess and skill of the riders but also their dedication to state pride.
Origin 2026 begins in Newcastle on May 30, before heading to Brisbane on June 6, and culminating in Sydney at the TikTok Entertainment Centre on August 1. The competition offers not only a spectacle of skill and courage but also a significant financial reward that elevates the stakes and intensity for all participants involved.
Last updated: 6 April 2026, 4:19 pm
