What’s happening?
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australia is bucking back into Rockhampton this Friday and Saturday (April 4 and 5), transforming the Great Western Hotel into a high-stakes battleground for the PBR Monster Energy Rockhampton Invitational.
The event features the nation’s top riders facing off against some of the fiercest bucking bulls in the country. It’s also one of the final chances for riders to score points ahead of the 2025 PBR Origin Series, which kicks off in Newcastle on May 3.
Why it matters?
Rockhampton isn’t just hosting another tour stop—it’s one of the last two events before Origin team selections. With Newcastle looming, every ride in Rocky could make or break a bull rider’s Origin dreams.
“The Origin Series is one of the most highly anticipated events on the PBR calendar,” said PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young. “With only two events remaining before the series kicks off, this weekend in Rockhampton and next weekend in Armidale will play a key role in determining the 10-rider roster for Origin I in Newcastle on May 3.”
He added, “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.”
Local Impact
Hometown rider Caiden Sandilands is fired up to perform on familiar ground: “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.”
Rockhampton continues to be a bull riding cradle. St Brendan’s College’s rodeo program produced the only two Australians to hold the Number One Bull Rider in the world title: Troy Dunn (1998) and current chart-topper Brady Fielder.
By the Numbers
-
🐂 Over 75,000 fans attend PBR events in Australia annually.
-
🐂 Rockhampton rider Caiden Sandilands is pushing for a place on the 10-rider Origin Series roster.
-
🐂 After last week’s Victoria event, Kurt Shephard leads the national rankings, followed closely by Ben Bode, Jack Brodrick, Thomas Triplett, and Matheus Lima Rodrigues.
Zoom In
The last time the PBR hit Rockhampton, Diego Galdino Dos Santos stunned the crowd with a flawless 3-for-3 ride to take the win. All eyes will be on him to see if he can repeat the magic.
Young said, “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?”
And with Rockynats revving up the city, the weekend promises a full throttle, full-volume Rockhampton experience.
Zoom Out
The PBR Monster Energy Rockhampton Invitational is part of a larger national tour that will next visit Armidale, followed by stops in Sydney, Bundaberg, Bloomsbury, Cairns, Caboolture, Hawkesbury, Nowra, Mackay, Kilkivan, and Tamworth, before culminating in the Grand Finals in Townsville on 31 October and 1 November.
What To Look For Next?
Don’t blink—after Rocky, PBR Australia heads to Armidale next weekend, where the final Origin Series team spots will be on the line. Then it’s on to Origin I in Newcastle on May 3, followed by Brisbane (June 7) and Sydney (July 5).
Event Times – Rockhampton:
Friday, 4 April
• 5:30PM – Gates open
• 7:30PM – Main PBR event starts
Saturday, 5 April
• 1:00PM – Can-Am Junior Academy – FREE for the public
• 5:30PM – Gates open
• 7:00PM – Main PBR event starts
🎟 For tickets and event info: www.pbraustralia.com.au
