Mane of Origin 2022: The search for NSW’s mightiest mullet

After extensive and tireless deliberation, big decisions have been made and we have settled on our shortlist of the mightiest mullets in NSW. Vote here.

We asked you, NSW, to show us your mighty mullets — and boy did you deliver!

In case you missed it, we’re on the hunt to find the most magnificent mullet in our glorious state.

The competition was brutal, the pickings were ripe, and after extensive deliberation we’ve put together a shortlist of eight beauties.

South coast boy Lincon Crane getting his mullet styled by his brother. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

Interestingly enough, the younger generations are carrying the team — our whole shortlist is exclusively under the age of 13. How inspiring it is to see our kids carrying on the cultural tradition of business at the front, party at the back.

Read what some of our mulleted frontrunners have to say as they plead their case to take out number one.

Ryder, 5, says he should win because his haircut is just like Josh Papalii’s from the Canberra Raiders.

Four-year-old Bayley’s mullet came from his desire to look like Melbourne Storm player Ryan Papenhuyzen.

We have Ryan, whose “magic mudflap” came from his very relatable fear of going to the barber, and has now earned him VIP status around the Hawkesbury Shire.

The five-year-old is starting school in two weeks and wants to earn the title of NSW Mightiest Mullet for some extra brownie points on the playground.

Ryan, aged four, is proud of his mane which came from his fear of the barber.

13-year-old Lincon Crane's majestic mullet speaks for itself.

Lincon, 13, who drew inspiration from the movie Joe Dirt, says he rocks his mullet harder than anyone he knows.
He even claims he gets stopped by strangers in the street who marvel at his blonde mane.

Six-year-old Cruz from Gunnedah, has the coolest mullet in the area: red-hot and deadly.

Two-year-old Anthony Thornton is carrying on the family tradition of mullet hairstyles.

Cruz Roberts, from Gunnedah, is equally as proud of his red hair as he is of the way it’s styled — so much so, that when the seven-year-old is playing junior rugby league he takes his headgear off just to show off his crowning glory.

Words from the young man himself: “I should win because I have the sickest mullet in Australia.”

Ten-year-old Eli White-Drayton, of Cessnock, has a dazzling mullet.

Two-year-old Anthony arrived fresh from the womb with a rat tail, according to his mother Brooke, and is carrying on the family tradition of rocking mullets, taking after his grandfather Tony, who’s maintained the same hairstyle for 75 years.

Ten-year-old Eli, who has been growing his mullet for two years, put it simply: “I’ve got an outstanding mullet, it’s the Aussie haircut, and that’s why I should win.”

Now, readers, it’s up to you. Which mighty mullet deserves the crown, and to face off our rival states and territories?

The winner will be announced on Friday 28 January.