PBR: Aaron Kleier leads Queensland to Origin glory

It isn’t often you can compare champion Clermont bull-rider Aaron Kleier and Rockhampton superstar Cameron Munster, but both men produced the plays of the night to deliver Origin glory to Queensland.

Aaron Kleier rode Team Queensland to victory at PBR Origin II at Brisbane. Picture: Supplied / PBR Australia

It isn’t often you can compare champion Clermont bull-rider Aaron Kleier and Rockhampton superstar Cameron Munster, but both men produced the plays of the night to deliver Origin glory to Queensland.

Munster was the man with the magic touch in rugby league’s opening Origin, beating a tackle then sending Cairns flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow away for a crucial try before scoring the matchwinner himself a few minutes later to seal victory.

For Kleier, his moment came at a sold-out Brisbane Entertainment centre, as he produced a remarkable 90.5-point ride with the final ride of the night to seal a come-from-behind victory for Queensland in PBR’s Origin II and their fourth series win since 2019.

Aaron Kleier rode Team Queensland to victory at PBR Origin II at Brisbane. Picture: Supplied / PBR Australia

Kleier, who is recognised as one of the country’s leading bull-riders, produced the highest score of the night on the Dittman Bucking Bulls charge.

“When us boys put on the Queensland jersey, we know what it’s about. It’s just so good to be able to ride together as a team,” said Kleier.

While Team Queensland dazzled at the record-breaking PBR spectacle, it was the rookie-filled Team New South Wales who dominated the dirt.

They led by two bulls before Kleier’s extraordinary ride, which put Team Queensland in front.

Reigning PBR Australia champion and Team New South Wales captain Cody Heffernan said they’re remaining positive ahead of the final round in Cairns on July 22, where they’re determined to end the series with an event win.

Rockhampton product Cameron Munster led NRL’s Maroons to victory in Origin I. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I’m really proud of the guys, you can see that everyone put it out there. We didn’t get it in the end, but everyone put in a big effort,” said Heffernan.

“We’ll be back for Cairns, and we’ll be better.”

Trailing behind Aaron Kleier was Dubbo’s James Stockdale, followed by Mitch Paton, Will Purcell and Jackson Gray.

For the bovine athletes, it was Roid Rage from Dittmann Bucking Bulls who secured the highest point of the night with a 44.5 point ride score.

PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said it was a spectacular event that had everyone watching on their edge of their seats.

“What a battle,” said Mr Young.

“Each team got nine bulls ridden, so it just came down to who rode the best bulls and got the points, and in the end that was Team Queensland.

Aaron Kleier is a former PBR Australia national champion. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“It all came down to Aaron Kleier who was the last bull rider out. He got the job done, got Queensland the points and secured the win for the team.

“Since we are normally an individual sport, it’s great to see the team aspect come into play during the Origin series, and see these guys work together.”

The final instalment of the PBR Origin series will take place in Cairns on July 22.

“This final round will play a crucial role in determining who will qualify for the Monster Energy PBR Australia Grand Finals occurring in Townsville in November, which is the richest bull riding event in the entire southern hemisphere,” said Mr Young.

Munster will be among the Maroons in Game II of the NRL’s Origin series on Wednesday, June 21, before Game III on July 12.

Then it will be Kleier and Team Queensland’s chance to push for a series sweep at Cairns Convention Centre on July 22.

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Originally published as PBR: Aaron Kleier leads Queensland to Origin glory