AUSTRALIA’S best bull riders will go head-to-head with the fiercest bulls in the country, and the stakes couldn’t be higher when the toughest sport on the planet rides into Armidale this weekend for a night of heart-pounding, bone-rattling action.

The 2025 PBR Monster Energy Armidale Invitational features the final qualifying event before the all-important Origin Team selection, meaning every ride, every second, and every point counts.

With adrenaline surging and pride on the line, riders will give everything they’ve got to lock in a coveted place on the team.

After the PBR Monster Energy Rockhampton Invitational last week in Queensland, the leaderboard has changed again in the Australian rankings, but one stood tall.

After taking the event title, Mareeba bull rider Kurt Shephard has extended his lead with 912 PBRA total points, leaving a massive 471 points between him and number two, Calliope rider Macaulie Leather.

Fellow Calliope and Queenslander rider Ben Bode is number three, followed by Bungendore’s Jack Brodrick.

After fantastic rides in Rocky, Walcha bull rider Tyson Smith has bumped Thomas Triplett and Matheus Lima Rodrigues from the top five.

The winning bull at Rocky was Alpha Blokes Warden (an Alpha Blokes and MJ-Keliher Bucking Bulls), which was back to show everyone who’s really in charge.

He took the number one bull spot in Scone and Beaudesert, and won again in Rockhampton.

Competition leader Kurt Shephard in action at Rockhampton.

PBR Australia managing director, Glen Young, said it was going to take some incredible and consistent riding to knock Shephard from his post.

“Kurt is in blistering form, and with his lead increasing after Rocky, he’s looking almost unbeatable coming into Armidale,” Young said.

“But, with Armidale the last chance until we announce the PBR Australia Origin Series teams, riders will be laying it all on the line this weekend.

“The Origin Series is one of the most highly anticipated events on the PBR calendar, and Armidale will play a key role in determining the 10-rider roster for Origin I in Newcastle on May 3.

“Fans this weekend in Armidale can expect big hits, bold rides, and the kind of high-stakes energy that only comes when legends are made,” he said.

PBR Monster Energy Armidale Invitational 2025

When: Saturday, April 12

Where: Armidale Showground

Time: 7pm

Details and tickets: www.pbraustralia.com.au