What’s happening?
The 2025 PBR Monster Energy Origin Series launches this Saturday, 3 May, at Newcastle Entertainment Centre — and Central Queensland’s top bull riders are ready to represent the Maroons in Australia’s fiercest sporting rivalry.
As the nation casts votes at polling booths, the real decisions will be made in the dirt. It’s not politics — it’s pure bull riding. Eight seconds. One bull. No second chances.
Queensland’s elite, including Rockhampton and surrounding region contenders, will go head-to-head with New South Wales in the first of three Origin events for 2025.
Why it matters
Since the Origin Series began in 2019, Queensland has claimed every title. The pressure is on to defend that perfect streak. For riders from Central Queensland, this is more than a contest — it’s a chance to showcase regional strength, courage, and Maroon pride on the national stage.
There’s also big money on the line, with $150,000 in prize money across the series and a $30,000 bonus for the Cowboy of Origin — awarded to the top performer across all three rounds.
PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said: “The fiercest rivalry in Australian sport isn’t just played out on the footy field or at the ballot box — it rages in the bull riding arena too.”
He continued: “Queensland hasn’t lost an Origin Series since it began in 2019, so this year, it’s going to be a fierce battle, with NSW keen to make their mark. This Saturday, the real showdown will be in the chutes!”
Local Impact
Central Queensland has produced some of the toughest riders in the game — and this year is no different. The 2025 team features a strong showing from the region:
- Caiden Sandilands – Rocky’s own rising star
- Thomas Triplett – Bungandarra’s bull-taming machine
- Bryn Francis – Moura’s rider, charging with fire in his veins
- Nash Mellors – The Gracemere young gun with ice in his veins
Two reserves also hail from Central and North Queensland:
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Beau Willis (Bowen) and Brumby Brandenberg (Bloomsbury) are standing ready to step in for the Maroons.
Their inclusion continues the region’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier talent.
By the numbers:
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5 consecutive Origin Series titles for Queensland since 2019
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$150,000 total prize pool across the 2025 series
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$30,000 Cowboy of Origin bonus for the top overall rider
Zoom In
Before the professionals ride out, eight junior riders — four from each state — will mount up for a special exhibition on mini bulls. These young talents won’t earn series points, but they’ll earn plenty of respect as the next generation of fearless riders.
Zoom Out
Inspired by rugby’s State of Origin, the PBR Origin Series has quickly become a centrepiece of Professional Bull Riders Australia’s (PBRA) 20+ event calendar. It highlights rising talent, feeds national rivalries, and helps Australian riders take the leap onto the international stage.
What to look for next?
After Newcastle, the battle continues in Brisbane on 7 June, followed by the grand finale in Sydney on 5 July. Central Queensland fans will be watching closely as their local legends ride to defend Queensland’s dominance — and chase the Cowboy of Origin crown.
