Queensland vs. NSW: A Battle for Glory
The highly anticipated 2026 PBR Origin Series is set to kick off in Newcastle on May 30 at 7:00 PM. Fans will flock to the Newcastle Entertainment Centre to witness teams from Queensland and New South Wales as they go head-to-head in this thrilling bull riding competition.
New South Wales enters the series with confidence, following their historic victory in 2025. They defeated Queensland with a score of 500.25 to 419.50 in an electrifying finale. However, Queensland is eager to reclaim the title and has bolstered their squad with talented riders.
Leading the charge for Queensland is the reigning Australian Champion Kurt Shephard from Mareeba. He is joined by Macaulie Leather of Calliope, who returns from a successful stint in the USA. Other notable riders include Donnie Rutherfurd from Mount Isa and Ben Bode from Calliope.
New South Wales boasts a formidable lineup as well, featuring Sam Woodall from Heywood, Clint Glass from Willow Tree, and Dylan Weir from Tumut. International talents Keny Roger and Alison Aguiar from Brazil also join the team, adding to their strength.
Junior Riders Steal the Spotlight
Before the main event, junior riders aged 9 to 17 will showcase their skills in Newcastle, Brisbane, and Sydney. These young athletes, part of the 2025 PBR Australia Can-Am Junior Academy, represent the future stars of bull riding.
The series will proceed to Brisbane on June 6 and will culminate in Sydney on August 1. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketek Australia to experience the adrenaline-filled competition live.
Queensland’s coach, Jared Borghero, brings his expertise as a former bull rider, while NSW is led by veteran Lachlan Richardson, a seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier. Simon Mallory of PBR Australia expects an explosive start to the series in Newcastle.
Newcastle marks the beginning of a series where state pride, raw power, and eight seconds of chaos collide. Like their NRL counterparts, both the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues have stacked line-ups of elite riders ready to compete in one of sport’s most brutal and unpredictable arenas.
Queensland’s reinvigorated squad aims to bring the trophy back across the border, determined after last year’s result. Meanwhile, New South Wales, fresh off their success, aims to prove their win was no accident. The teams will meet on neutral ground in Newcastle for this highly anticipated rematch.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:59 am
