Sport
29 October, 2025
Rutherfurd to represent Queensland in PBR Grand Finals
Tickets are hard to come by for the feature rodeo event in Townsville this weekend.
Mount Isa will have plenty to cheer for when the PBR Australia Grand Finals roll into Townsville this weekend, with homegrown cowboy Donovan Rutherfurd set to take on the nation’s toughest bulls under the brightest arena lights in the country.
Rutherfurd, who has been building momentum throughout the season, will step into the chutes alongside 29 other elite riders from across Australia and around the world, all chasing the championship buckle and a share in $150,000.
The Mount Isa talent joins a stacked Queensland contingent headlined by national No.1 Kurt Shephard from Mareeba, as well as Brumby Brandenburg, Dan Ruhland, Caiden Sandilands, Zane Hall, Bryn Francis and Nash Mellers.
They will also be bolstered by some big returns at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.
Clermont star Brady Fielder, currently ranked third in the world after a huge season in the United States, will make his first Australian appearance since conquering arenas abroad.
Warwick cowboy Callum Miller, who has climbed into the top 50 worldwide, is also back.
A trio of young guns — brothers Macaulie and Boston Leather from Calliope and Thomas Triplett — are also saddling up, giving fans a clear look at the state’s rising stars and international firepower.
New South Wales riders are out to spoil the party, sending a fierce crew of contenders keen to drag the championship buckle south of the border.
Riders including Clint Glass, Charlie Bailey, Thomas Hudson and Tyson Smith will be out to upset Queensland’s dominance.
Brazil’s influence on the sport remains strong, with Alison Aguiar and countryman Luan Crystian Camara battling for Rookie of the Year honours.
PBR Australia managing director Glen Young said the finals had grown into a major sporting weekend that not only showcased elite competition, but delivered a huge economic lift for North Queensland.
Last year’s event generated over $4 million for the local economy.
“When we established this event back in 1999, the vision was always to grow it into one of the richest and most prestigious bull riding events in Australia,” Young said.
There are still tickets for Friday night's event, while tickets for Saturday are sold out.