What’s happening?
The 2025 PBR Monster Energy Origin Series blasts into action this Saturday, 3 May, at Newcastle Entertainment Centre. Queensland’s best bull riders, including North Queensland’s own Beau Willis from Bowen, will face off against New South Wales in the fiercest sporting rivalry outside of rugby.
As the rest of Australia lines up at polling booths, Beau and his teammates will throw down in the dirt, where state honour and personal glory are won — not voted for.
Why it matters
Since the Origin Series first bucked into life in 2019, Queensland has reigned supreme, taking five consecutive titles. New South Wales now has its strongest team yet and is determined to finally wrestle away the crown. Beau Willis, carrying the pride of the Bowen and Townsville regions, joins the Maroon warriors to keep Queensland’s dynasty alive.
PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said, “The fiercest rivalry in Australian sport isn’t just played out on the footy field or at the ballot box — it rages in the bull riding arena too.”
He also added, “Queensland hasn’t lost an Origin Series since it began in 2019, so this year, it’s going to be a fierce battle, with NSW keen to make their mark. This Saturday, the real showdown will be in the chutes!”
Local Impact
Hailing from Bowen, just north of Townsville, Beau Willis stands tall as one of Queensland’s two reserves for Origin I. Known for his grit, determination, and calm under pressure, Beau’s journey from North Queensland paddocks to the national spotlight shows the strength and resilience of the region’s young riders.
He joins a dominant Maroons squad featuring talent from Mareeba, Moura, Rockhampton, Bungandarra, Calliope, Gracemere, Athol, and Cloncurry. His presence ensures North Queensland is well represented when Queensland’s title defence begins.
By the numbers:
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Queensland remains undefeated with five Origin Series championships since 2019.
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The total prize pool is $150,000, including $50,000 awarded per event.
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The top cowboy will walk away with an additional $30,000 bonus for Cowboy of Origin.
Zoom In
Before the seasoned pros ride out, eight tough-as-nails junior riders — four from each state — will hit the arena riding mini bulls. Though they will not be competing for points, these young guns will show the same passion and bravery as their heroes.
Zoom Out
The PBR Monster Energy Origin Series has redefined the landscape of professional bull riding in Australia. Modelled after the rugby State of Origin, it captures fans’ imaginations and cements bull riding’s growing national appeal. As a pillar of PBRA’s calendar of over 20 events across Australia, the Origin Series is both a proving ground and a spectacle.
What to look for next?
After Newcastle’s thundering opener, the series rolls into Brisbane on 7 June, before closing with a high-stakes final in Sydney on 5 July. Townsville-region fans will be watching closely as Beau Willis and Team Queensland chase their sixth straight Origin crown.
2025 PBR MONSTER ENERGY ORIGIN SERIES
PBR Australia Presents: PBR Monster Energy Tour – ORIGIN I – Newcastle
May 3 at 7:00 PM at Newcastle Entertainment Centre GET TICKETS
PBR Australia Presents: PBR Monster Energy Tour – ORIGIN II – Brisbane
Jun 7 at 7:00 PM at Brisbane Entertainment Centre GET TICKETS
PBR Australia Presents: PBR Monster Energy Tour – ORIGIN III – Sydney
Jul 5 at 7:00 PM at ICC Sydney Theatre GET TICKETS
