Maroons Eye Historic Bull Riding Origin Whitewash in Sydney

Queensland has already secured the 2026 trophy, but ultimate dirt-riding glory awaits at Darling Harbour as New South Wales fights to restore pride on home soil.

The fiercest rivalry in Western sports returns this Saturday, 1 August, when the PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series thunders into Sydney for its final clash of 2026. With the series trophy already safely tucked back in Maroon territory, Queensland is charging south with a singular target in mind: a historic 3–0 clean sweep in enemy territory.

Having reclaimed the coveted Origin crown with back-to-back victories in Newcastle and Brisbane, the mighty Maroons hold all the momentum. However, with 350 tonnes of dirt currently being poured into Sydney’s TikTok Entertainment Centre at Darling Harbour, the stage is set for a bone-rattling finale where Queensland rides for perfection—and New South Wales rides purely for redemption.

“There’s nothing quite like Origin. Queensland has earned the trophy back, but I can guarantee New South Wales won’t be rolling over in Sydney,” said PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young.

“They’ll be desperate to finish the series with a win in front of their home crowd, while Queensland will be equally determined to make history with a clean sweep. That’s what makes this competition so special—every ride matters.”

Refreshed Maroon Ranks Ready for Action

Queensland enters the series final boasting a lethal mix of seasoned champions and hungry talent. Four new faces join the Maroon contingent, led by Australia’s No. 1 ranked bull rider, Mareeba’s own Kurt Shephard.

New Zealand star Rylee Ward, young gun Thomas Triplett, Rockhampton’s Caiden Sandilands, and exciting debutant Clay Hall have all been called up to reinforce the squad as Queensland looks to complete the whitewash.

Team Queensland

  • Kurt Shephard (Mareeba, QLD)
  • Ethan Coster (Cloncurry, QLD)
  • Zane Hall (Athol, QLD)
  • Kelsey Pavlou (Gracemere, QLD)
  • Ky Borghero (Bloomsbury, QLD)
  • Rylee Ward (Winton, NZ)
  • Thomas Triplett (Bungundarra, QLD)
  • Ben Bode (Calliope, QLD)
  • Caiden Sandilands (Rockhampton, QLD)
  • Clay Hall (Athol, QLD) – Origin Debut

Team New South Wales

Determined to halt the Maroon machine, the Blues have reshuffled their deck, bringing in JC Davis and Australia’s 2025 Rookie Champion Luan Crystian Camara to replace Thomas Hudson and Lachlan Slade.

  • Keny Roger de Oliveira (Brazil)
  • Sam Woodall (Heyfield, VIC)
  • Clint Glass (Willow Tree, NSW)
  • Alison Aguiar (Adelong, NSW)
  • Toby Collins (Wingham, NSW)
  • Colby Edgar (Denman, NSW)
  • Jack Rowlandson (Oberon, NSW)
  • Dylan Weir (Dungog, NSW)
  • JC Davis (Macksville, NSW)
  • Luan Crystian Camara (Brazil)

Event Summary

  • Event: PBR Monster Energy Origin III – Sydney
  • Date & Time: Saturday, 1 August 2026 at 7:00 PM
  • Venue: TikTok Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney
  • Tickets: Available via Ticketek Australia