Bull Riders to Battle for Final Origin Spots in Armidale

 

The toughest sport on the planet rides into Armidale this weekend for one unmissable night of heart-pounding, bone-rattling action – the 2025 PBR Monster Energy Armidale Invitational.

Australia’s best bull riders are coming head-to-head with the fiercest bulls in the country, and the stakes couldn’t be higher with Armidale as the final qualifying event before the all-important ORIGIN TEAM selection — meaning every ride, every second, and every point counts. With adrenaline surging and pride on the line, riders will be giving it everything they've got to lock in a coveted place on the team.

And anything can happen – after the PBR Monster Energy Rockhampton Invitational last week in Queensland, the leaderboard has changed again in the Australian rankings, but one stood tall. After taking the event title, Mareeba bull rider Kurt Shephard has extended his lead with 912 PBRA total points, leaving a massive 471 points between him and number two, Calliope rider Macaulie Leather.

Fellow Calliope and Queenslander rider Ben Bode is number three, followed by Bungendore’s Jack Brodrick. After fantastic rides in Rocky, Walcha bull rider Tyson Smith has bumped Thomas Triplett and Matheus Lima Rodrigues from the top five.

The winning bull at Rocky was Alpha Blokes Warden (an Alpha Blokes and MJ / Keliher Bucking Bulls), who was back to show everyone who’s really in charge. He took the number one bull spot in Scone and Beaudesert, and won again in Rockhampton. Can he buck his way to more glory at Armidale?

 

 

PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said it was going to take some incredible and consistent riding to knock Shephard from his post.

“Kurt is in blistering form, and with his lead increasing after Rocky, he’s looking almost unbeatable coming into Armidale. But, with Armidale the last chance until we announce the PBR Australia Origin Series teams, riders will be laying it all on the line this weekend,” he said.

“The Origin Series is one of the most highly anticipated events on the PBR calendar, and Armidale will play a key role in determining the 10-rider roster for Origin I in Newcastle on May 3.”

“Fans this weekend in Armidale can expect big hits, bold rides, and the kind of high-stakes energy that only comes when legends are made.”

Watch all the action on the PBR Australia Live Stream page from 5:00 pm AEST on Saturday.

 

Rematches to Watch in Armidale

In Armidale, the dirt will be set for three massive rematches. Thomas Triplett faces off against Jackie Red for the first time since their encounter at the 2024 Winton BAD Festival. Clint Glass is out for payback on Da Bear after getting thrown in just 3.62 seconds at Beaudesert last year. And Toby Adams is gearing up for another shot at Cracking Tins after their intense ride in Scone this February.

Currently sitting in sixth, Triplett is chasing redemption and a chance to break into the top five.

It all comes down to Armidale this Saturday.

Take a look at the Daysheet for Saturday.

Stay tuned to PBRAustralia.com.au and follow the tour on Facebook (PBR Australia) and Instagram (@PBRAustralia) for the latest results, news, stats and more.