PBR Origin bull riding decider kicks off tonight

It’s mate versus mate, and state versus state – but trade the footy ball for a furious bull, and you’ve got an NSW-QLD match-up like you’ve never witnessed as the Origin bull riding decider kicks off this weekend.

Eliza Barr

@ElizaJBarr

less than 2 min read

July 5, 2025 - 5:00AM

Jack Rowlandson and Zane Hall pictured ahead of PBR Origin Series Round III on July 5. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire

NSW

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It’s mate versus mate, and state versus state – but probably not the way you’re accustomed to.

Before the regular State of Origin this coming Wednesday, it’s time to saddle up for the other State of Origin, as the best bull riders in the nation go head to head in a classic contest between NSW and Queensland.

Queensland has had a stranglehold on victory since Professional Bull Riders Australia introduced the competition in 2019, with NSW claiming just two event wins throughout their northern rivals’ five straight title wins.

With one win each from their first two meet-ups in Brisbane and Newcastle, Oberon cowboy Jack Rowlandson said the superior state might finally have a chance at the title in the toughest sport on dirt.

“Everybody just needs to turn up and do their job, treat it like a normal bull ride,” Rowlandson said.

Jack Rowlandson, Zane Hall, Joao Rigaard Franco and Nash Mellers pictured ahead of PBR Origin Series Round III on July 5th. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire

“We’ve drawn up against some pretty tough bulls, so we can definitely get the points that we need to get the win.”

Nash Mellers, from Gracemere near Rockhampton, shared exactly what the Blues should be afraid of as Queensland seeks to stake their claim on another series win.

Zane Hall, Jack Rowlandson, 2022 PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen (centre) is the event’s special guest (pictured with Hall, Rowlandson, Mellers and Rigaard Franco).

“Just see our Queensland spirit, we’ve always had the best, and we’re gonna come out and show yas what we’ve got,” Mellers said.

The adrenaline and risk that comes with trying to stay aboard a fuming bull is not for the faint-hearted, with Rowlandson revealing just what it takes to make it in the extreme sport.

“It does look a bit deceiving sometimes, you’re watching some of the best fellas in the country, they make it look pretty easy,” Rowlandson said.

“I think when you see the big wrecks that some of us cop, that’s when you sort of see it’s not as easy as it looks.”