Australia’s fiercest sporting rivalry is strapping in for another showdown — but this isn’t rugby, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The PBR Monster Energy Origin Series is back in 2025, bringing bone-rattling bull riding action to Newcastle, Brisbane, and Sydney. This three-round state-versus-state battle will once again pit Queensland against New South Wales, promising adrenaline, pride, and sheer grit in equal measure.
Since its launch in 2019, the PBR Origin Series has redefined Australia’s idea of competitive spirit, swapping footies for four-legged powerhouses and tackling the raw edge of professional bull riding. With Queensland undefeated since the series’ inception, the pressure is on for New South Wales to finally knock their northern rivals off the top.
“The fiercest rivalry in Australian sport isn’t just played out on the footy field — it rages in the rodeo arena too,” said Glen Young, Managing Director of PBR Australia.
“With nothing but eight seconds standing between glory and the dust, these boys ride for more than just personal victory—they ride for state pride,” he said.
The final selection process was held in Armidale on April 12 and the final teams are now selected.
Representing NSW this year is a stellar line up of riders including three local lads, keen on breaking the Blues bull-riding Origin drought:
- Tyson Smith – The pride of Walcha
- Clint Glass – The quiet powerhouse from the NSW Liverpool Plains (Willow Tree)
- Jack Brodrick – Bungendore’s bold front-runner
- Jack Rowlandson – Oberon’s steel-nerved slinger
- Dylan Weir – Tumut’s determined force
- Toby Adams – From Mendooran, fierce and focused
- Lauchlan Waters and Wyatt Fraser from South Australia join the Blues in battle
- Four Brazilian stars join the charge as international bull riding warriors ready to shake things up: Joao Rigaard Franco, Matheus Lima Rodrigues, Luan Crystian Camara, and
Diego Galdino
Just in case the bull riding wasn’t entertaining enough, Albury-born Country Music Star Hayley Jensen will also tour with PBR. She’ll perform not only at the Origin events, but also at the Iron Cowboy in Tamworth in October. This will be the award-winning artist’s 2nd tour with PBR, after being a crowd favourite at the PBR Bad Festival in 2023.
“There’s just nothing like the energy at a PBR event. The crowd is always up for a good time, and they really connect with the music. That’s what keeps me coming back – it’s real, it’s loud, and it’s full of passion. It’s an incredible atmosphere to play in.” said Ms Jensen said.
This year’s series carries serious stakes, with each round offering $50,000 in prize money, totalling $150,000 across the series. And for one standout athlete, the title of “Cowboy of Origin” awaits, along with an additional $30,000 bonus for the highest scorer across all three events.
Leading New South Wales into battle is none other than Lachie Richardson — a seasoned competitor who knows the bulls and the big stage better than most. Born and bred in Gresford, NSW, Richardson has carved out an impressive career, including seven appearances at the prestigious PBR World Finals and being named PBR Australia’s Rookie of the Year back in 2012. Now, as coach, he’s focused on preparing his team to handle the mental and physical demands of one of the world’s toughest sports.
“We don’t talk. We ride. Rest at the end, not in the middle,” Richardson said, underlining the unshakeable mindset he aims to instill in his riders.
The Origin Series has become a flagship event on the PBRA calendar, helping to spotlight rising talent and offering a clear pathway to the global circuit. It also sits at the heart of the organisation’s mission: growing the sport locally while connecting Australia’s top riders to the world stage.
So, when the gates burst open this season, the question isn’t just who will stay on — it’s which state will ride their way into bull riding history.
Tickets are on sale now with the first round set to burst into the ring in Newcastle on May 3rd. For more information visit the PBR website.
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