The toughest eight seconds in sport heads to Rocky this weekend
Get ready, Rocky! The toughest sport on dirt is charging into Rockhampton, bringing the nation’s best bull riders and the fiercest bulls to Australia’s beef capital for two electrifying nights of adrenaline-fueled action.
This Friday and Saturday, April 4th and 5th the famous Great Western Hotel will transform into a battleground for the PBR Monster Energy Rockhampton Invitational. Set against the backdrop of a city built on cattle and country grit and the home of so many of Australia’s best bull riders, PBR Rockhampton is a high-stakes, high-energy showdown where the biggest names in Australian bull riding go head-to-head with some of the fiercest bucking bulls in the game. IMAGERY HERE
PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said withthe PBR Australia Origin Series just around the corner, riders will be laying it all on the line in Rockhampton this weekend, aiming to secure a coveted spot on the PBR Origin team roster. This event is one of the final opportunities for riders to amass vital points before the Origin opener in Newcastle on May 3rd.
“The Origin Series is one of the most highly anticipated events on the PBR calendar. With only two events remaining before the series kicks off, this weekend in Rockhampton next weekend in Armidale will play a key role in determining the 10-rider roster for Origin I in Newcastle on May 3,” he said.
“Rockhampton has been a cornerstone of our PBR circuit for years, with its electric atmosphere and the unwavering support from the local community. With northern and north western Queensland, the home of so many of our great bull riders, battling floods right now, we hope the Rocky event can bring a slight respite in some way.”
The Rocky bull rider ready to rumble - among those ready to claim their spot in the series opener is Rockhampton’s own Caiden Sandilands, and he’s excited to ride on his home turf: “The crowd is awesome in Rockhampton, and it’s great to be able to ride in front of a hometown crowd. It’s a highlight to make the Origin team, and my goal is to make Origin, make the Grand Finals, and get a good riding percentage happening.”
PBR Australia rankings as unpredictable as a bull in the chute - after last week's showdown in Victoria, there’s seen a shift at the top of the PBR Australia leaderboard. Mareeba bull rider Kurt Shephard now leads the pack with Calliope’s Ben Bode, Bungendore’s Jack Brodrick, and Bungundarra’s Thomas Triplett hot on his heels. Matheus Lima Rodrigues rounds out the top five, keeping the pressure on.
Rockhampton Australia’s bull riding creche - as Australia’s beef capital, Rockhampton lives and breathes cattle—and bull riding is part of the DNA. Rocky has produced some of the country’s best bull riders with St Brendan’s College’s rodeo program producing the only two Australians ever to hold the Number One Bull Rider in the world title in Brady Fielder this year, and Troy Dunn in 1998.
“The last time the PBR bucked into Beef City, the crowd went wild for Diego Galdino Dos Santos, who claimed victory with a flawless 3-for-3 performance. The question on everyone’s lips is: can he do it again? With Rockynats revving up the city, it’s the perfect time to experience the toughest 8 seconds in sports,” said Young.
Fans can expect eight-second battles, edge-of-your-seat action, and a showdown that will have the entire crowd roaring as riders chase crucial points on the PBR Australia circuit. With championship dreams on the line, the stakes have never been higher. So, saddle up, Rocky—it’s time to feel the ground shake, the adrenaline surge, and the roar of the crowd as PBR brings the ultimate bull riding experience to town!
PBR Monster Energy Rockhampton Invitational 2025
Event Date: 4 & 5 April 2025
Location: The Great Western Hotel
For event details and tickets, visit www.pbraustralia.com.au
Imagery | Photos provided by PBR Australia
EVENT TIMES:
FRIDAY 4 APRIL
5:30PM - Gates open & 7:30PM Main PBR event starts
SATURDAY 5 APRIL
1:00PM - PBR Can-Am Junior Academy - FREE to public
5:30PM - Gates open & 7PM Main PBR event starts
WHAT’S NEXT: where and when to see Australia’s best bull riders
PBR Australia will bring the bucks to Rockhampton (this weekend), Armidale, Sydney, Bundaberg, Bloomsbury, Cairns, Caboolture, Hawkesbury, Nowra, Mackay, Kilkivan, Tamworth and then the Grand Finals end the season in Townsville over October 31 and November 1.
The PBR Monster Energy ORIGIN Series will take place on May 3 in Newscastle (I), then June 7 in Brisbane (II) and then July 5 in Sydney.
ABOUT PBR AUSTRALIA
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the world, with tours across the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. A subsidiary of Endeavor, a global leader in sports, media, and entertainment, PBR has transformed bull riding into a premier international sport since its founding in 1992. The organisation features over 1,000 riders globally and hosts more than 200 events annually worldwide.
In Australia, Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA) stages more than 20 events each year, attracting over 75,000 fans. PBRA showcases key events and tours such as the Monster Energy Tour, PBR Origin Series, and PBR Grand Finals, while also partnering with regional event organisers through the PBR Touring Pro Division. The organisation supports emerging talent through its Can-Am Junior Academy and serves as an international pathway to the United States circuit for both Junior and Open competition athletes. For more information, visit www.pbraustralia.com.au.
For media information, contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email kath@kathrose.com
Contact details:
Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email kath@kathrose.com
