Townsville will host the grand finals of the 2022 PBR season
Two Mackay legends are aiming to end their season on a high after an incredible return to the sport, while other talented locals will fight it out for top spot.
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As the Professional Bull Riders Australia 2022 season comes to an end, it was one to remember for two Mackay talents as they ponder throwing their hats in the ring for another year.
For Jason Dittman and Shane “Maddog” Simpson, professional bull riding competition has been their passion for decades.
Dittman is one of the finest bull trainers in the country, and as his Dittmann Bucking Bulls stable continues to dominate it’s sure to be one hell of a ride in Townsville.
His bulls rank as the seventh best in the competition, with his prized possession Roid Rage boasting an 87% buck-off rate.
“It’s been a solid season and we’re lucky to have a handful of young bulls coming through that have been on the tour for a couple of years and are really starting to hit their straps,” Dittman said.
It’s not only the buck-off rate that's impressive, with the bulls being some of the most profitable in the game, including his number one earner Comeback Kid.
With two categories all but secured, Dittman is set to take home a sweep of three different prizes on the night in what has been one of the most dominant displays in recent history.
“We are really excited to hit Townsville for the grand finals. It’s one of our favourite events of the year. Our bulls love the surface and the atmosphere,” Dittman said.
As well as Dittman, one of the big stories of the 2022 PBRA season has been the return of Shane Simpson after an eight-year hiatus.
Simpson is one of the finest protection athletes in the nation, if not the globe, and has thrived in the ten events he's participated in this season.
“I just love what I do,” Simpson said. “Being in there, fighting bulls with great blokes makes the job so much easier. I also love the physical challenges of the sport.”
Having won nine national titles, a variety of freestyle honours and been a part of the 2008 world finals, Simpson has an impressive record, but remains tight lipped about his future after Townsville.
“It might be the last time you see me … but I’m not 100 per cent on that yet,” Simpson said.
While our eyes are focused on the two Mackay stars, this season end is sure to be one of the best yet, with some of Australia's best young talents battling it out for a national title.
Among the chances are Koumala young gun Qynn Andersen, New South Welshman and former titleholder, Cody Heffernan, and Clermont talent Aaron Kleier looking to make it five straight championships.
If Kleier is able to win his fifth straight championship this weekend he will become the first man in global PBR history to do so in his home nation.
PBR Australia presents the PBR Monster Energy Tour grand finals on November 25 and 26 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Limited tickets still available at www.pbraustralia.com.au
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