Proud Queenslander ready to rock New South Wales in Origin series

It’s State of Origin with 700kg bulls thrown into the mix. What could go wrong? Zane Hall’s list of injuries may answer that question.

Zane Hall in action at the Caboolture Invitational.

How do you increase the intensity of Australia’s greatest rivalry – the clash of Queensland and their southern rivals New South Wales?

The simplest answer is throwing a handful of 700kg plus angry, snarling bulls into the mix.

For Zane Hall bull riding is an all too familiar scenario but the fact he will be ‘wearing’ a Queensland Maroons jersey this weekend makes it all the more special.

After debuting for his state last year the 22-year-old Athol cowboy has been recalled for round 1 of the PBR Australia Origin Series.

“It is always a great feeling putting on the Maroons jersey,” Hall said.

“A real privilege and something that doesn’t come around too often.

“It gets the blood pumping, and all the boys getting behind each other is always good.”

The Maroons head into this year’s series chasing an unprecedented fifth straight victory.

The Blues will no doubt do everything they can to unsettle their rivals but it will be business as usual for the Maroons.

“It doesn’t matter what the sport is, there is always a strong rivalry and it’s always competitive when Queensland and New South Wales go against each other,” Hall said.

“We (Queensland) are not feeling any extra pressure, we’ve won it four times in a row and we’ll win this one as well.

“There’s a bit of chat on the way back to the rooms between riders and teams but for me it doesn’t matter.

“I’m just focused on my next ride and what I need to do.”

Zane Hall rides Bang and Grind at PBR Monster Energy Tour Mackay Invitational. Picture: Michaela Harlow

As exciting as the three round State of Origin series will be for Hall – it might pale in comparison to his next ride in August.

Fresh off a breakout year that ended with him being crowned 2023 PBR Australia Tour Rookie of the Year Hall, accepted a full scholarship at Western Texas College – a famed bull riding school.

Since his first bull ride at six-years-old, Hall has always held the dream of going pro on the grandest rodeo stage of all the United States.

He has broken two arms, his leg and his jaw but he’s never given up and his Texas adventure will take him a step closer to making his dream a reality

“It’s a bit of an unknown for me, I don’t know exactly how it will all look but I’m excited,” he said.

“I know the colleges compete against each other which will be really – it will help me boost my skills as a rider

“It’s a great opportunity I can’t pass up.

“Now is the best time for me to give it a shot. I know I’d be kicking myself in the future if I didn’t try this now.”

A carpenter by trade with Smith and Sons now, Hall will study welding while he is in Texas.

As well as competing on the college circuit Hall hopes to try his hand on the PBR Circuit.

“Riding in America is the dream for everyone,” Hall said.

“It’s where all the best riders are and the money is a lot bigger naturally.

“This (his scholarship) gets my foot in the door in America.

“I’d like to do it (college) for a year and then try and do some PBR events over there.”

The PBR Australia Origin Series is a three round event with 10 rider teams representing each state.

After the series opener at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre this weekend the action will head to Newcastle on June 22 and Cairns on July 13.