Mareeba mates lead the bull riding charge
PBR Cairns
The bull riders are coming to Cairns, and two of the best in the business - current Australian Gold Buckle holder Kurt Shephard and firecracker PBR Origin debutant Leith Malone - don’t have far to travel.
The Mareeba duo is firing up the PBR and will help deliver a massive adrenaline surge when the PBR Australia 2026 Monster Energy Cairns Invitational storms into the Cairns Convention Centre on July 4, bringing with it over $50,000 in prize money, world-class bull riders, and some of the fiercest bulls in the sport.
Earlier this month, Malone was instrumental in Queensland taking the PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series. In the Championship Round in Brisbane he climbed aboard Turbo knowing Queensland needed one final statement and the young cowboy delivered.
His pressure-packed 84.25-point ride sealed the victory, sending the crowd into celebration and ensuring the Origin shield would return north of the border.
Malone says he is stoked his childhood dream of competing on the PBR tour has been realised, and puts a lot of that success down to the help of Shephard.
“Me and Kurt travel together to all the rodeos and he has helped me across my whole career,” said the 25-year-old who has been competing in steer and bull riding from the age of six.
“You couldn’t get in the car with a more successful man. Any questions I just ask him and he will tell me the hard truth when needed and give me praise when it is warranted.’’
Malone said he was looking forward to the Cairns event having heard the praise his fellow competitors have for it.
“They pack that stadium out from what the boys have been saying and it is one you wouldn’t want to miss. The crowd is virtually sitting on top of you,’’ Malone said.
Also confirmed for Cairns is Queensland's newest star, Ethan Coster. He too was pivotal in the Maroons' success, with the Miriam Vale rookie backing up his Newcastle heroics with another standout performance in Brisbane, finishing two-from-three. He’ll be bringing this blistering form to Cairns.
Thirty elite cowboys have entered the competition, all chasing valuable championship points in a bid to secure a spot at the $150,000 PBR Grand Finals in Townsville this November.
“With the PBR Australia season heating up, every ride, every second, and every point counts,” said Glen Young, PBR Australia Managing Director.
The competition won't just be tough, it'll be ferocious, thanks to PRB Australia’s premier bull contractors Dittmann Bucking Bulls, Finch Rodeo Bulls, Dunne Bucking Bulls, MJ/Kleier Bucking Bulls and CF7 Bucking Bulls bringing their best stock to the event.
“The Cairns Invitational is where legends are made,” said Glen Young. “This is more than a competition, it’s a battle of grit, heart, and bull power. The crowd can expect an unforgettable night filled with edge-of-your-seat drama and world-class athleticism.”
The PBR Monster Energy Tour will be staged at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday, July 4 from 7pm.
