Sam Thaiday named inaugural ambassador for Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships

Former Queensland rugby star and King of the Jungle Sam Thaiday has been announced as the first ever ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

Sam Thaiday has been named the inaugural Ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

Rugby league legend and King of the Jungle, Sam Thaiday has been announced as the first ever ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

The event, to be held on August 10, is set to be a highlight of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.

Mr Thaiday will be at the rodeo for the full weekend, giving his support to Indigenous riders, meeting fans and enjoying the outback setting.

Sam Thaiday has been named the inaugural Ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

The sports star is known for playing 304 games for the Broncos, representing Queensland in the State of Origin in 29 games and forging a career after footy, with appearances on game coverage and most recently being crowned ‘King of the Jungle’ on the TV show I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

Born in Sydney but raised in Townsville with four brothers, he said he was proud to stand alongside Indigenous cowboys and cowgirls for the special event.

Sam Thaiday has been named the inaugural Ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.

“Rodeo is about grit, heart, and heritage, and the Indigenous Rodeo Championships showcases the best of that spirit,” he said.

Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships Pictures Peter Wallis

Mount Isa Mines Rodeo community chair Mark Thompson said having the rugby legend on-board, who he labelled a “hero both on the field and off it”, was a great win for the event.

“He embodies the values of community, pathways and respect that the Indigenous Rodeo Championships represent,” he said.

“Having him as our inaugural ambassador will further inspire this – and the next – generation of Indigenous rodeo stars and help shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talent and history of Indigenous Australians in rodeo.”

Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships Pictures Peter Wallis

In the past four years the Indigenous Rodeo Championships have grown to be a multi-award winning event, showcasing numerous events and skills.

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo runs from August 8 to 10 at Buchanan Park.

Tickets are now on sale.

For more details visit mountisarodeo.com.au

Originally published as Sam Thaiday named inaugural ambassador for Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships