Sport
26 June, 2026
Action galore at bullriding
FAR North Queensland is set for a massive adrenaline surge when the PBR Australia 2026 Monster Energy Cairns Invitational storms into the Cairns Convention Centre on 4 July, bringing with it over $50,000 in prize money, world-class bull riders and some of the fiercest bulls in the sport.
Leading the charge are Far North Queensland’s two champions: current Australian Gold Buckle holder Kurt Shephard from Mareeba, and the firecracker PBR Origin debutant, also from Mareeba, Leith Malone.
Two weeks ago, Malone was instrumental in Queensland taking the PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series.
In the championship round in Brisbane he climbed aboard Turbo knowing Queensland needed one final statement and the young cowboy delivered.
His pressure-packed 84.25-point ride sealed the victory, sending the crowd into celebration and ensuring the Origin shield would return north of the border.
Also confirmed for Cairns is Queensland’s newest star, Ethan Coster. He too was pivotal in the Maroons’ success, with the Miriam Vale rookie backing up his Newcastle heroics with another standout performance in Brisbane, finishing two-from-three. He’ll be bringing this blistering form to Cairns.
Thirty elite cowboys have entered the competition, all chasing valuable championship points in a bid to secure a spot at the $150,000 PBR grand finals in Townsville this November.
“With the PBR Australia season heating up, every ride, every second, and every point counts,” said PBR Australia managing director Glen Young.
“The Cairns Invitational is where legends are made,” said Mr Young.
“This is more than a competition, it’s a battle of grit, heart, and bull power. The crowd can expect an unforgettable night filled with edge-of-your-seat drama and world-class athleticism.”
The competition won’t just be tough, it’ll be ferocious, thanks to PRB Australia’s premier bull contractors Dittmann Bucking Bulls, Finch Rodeo Bulls, Dunne Bucking Bulls, MJ/Kleier Bucking Bulls and CF7 Bucking Bulls bringing their best stock to the event.
The event is at the Cairns Convention Centre on 4 July at 7pm.