What’s happening?
PBR Australia’s 2026 season starts this Saturday, 7 February, with the Monster Energy Tour opener in Scone, New South Wales.
The event launches the road to the 2026 Grand Finals in Townsville and features 35 riders, including a strong Queensland line-up.
Queensland’s Kurt Shephard from Mareeba returns as the reigning 2025 Gold Buckle holder. He is joined by fellow Queenslanders Ben Bode from Calliope, Caiden Sandilands from Rockhampton, Donnie Rutherford from Mount Isa, Zane Hall from Athol and Thomas Triplett from Bungundarra.
Why it matters
The Scone Invitational sets the tone for the season and begins qualification for the PBR Origin Series.
With only nine events before Origin selection, every ride from the first chute counts.
PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said the season starts at full pace.
“This weekend is the PBR Monster Energy Tour Scone Invitational, the first event of the Monster Energy Tour as the road to 2026 Grand Finals in Townsville begins,” he said.
“There’s only nine opportunities between now and Origin to qualify, so it’s game on from the very first buck in Scone.”
Local impact
Townsville remains the end goal for the sport, hosting the 2026 PBR Australia Grand Finals later this year.
Mackay, Cairns, Brisbane and Toowoomba are also locked in as key Queensland tour stops, bringing elite bull riding and major crowds to regional centres.
By the numbers
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35 riders will compete in Scone, marking one of the largest season openers on record.
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Nine events sit between Scone and Origin qualification, making early results critical.
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75,000 fans attend PBR Australia events each year, highlighting the sport’s strong regional pull.
Zoom in
Queensland talent dominates the early season narrative, led by Kurt Shephard’s title defence.
Rockhampton rider Caiden Sandilands and Mount Isa’s Donnie Rutherford are both tipped as riders to watch.
Zoom out
The 2026 tour spans Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Townsville hosts the season finale, reinforcing North Queensland’s role as a major bull riding hub.
What to look for next?
Attention now turns to how Queensland riders perform across the early rounds.
Momentum built in Scone could shape the run into Origin and the Townsville Grand Finals.
