SUPPLIED | PBR
IN A nail-biting finale, it all came down to the final electrifying ride of the night, sealing the fate of the event and propelling Team Queensland to victory.
As action got underway last night for the second iteration of the highly anticipated 2023 PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series in Brisbane, it was Team Queensland who once again dazzled in front of a sold-out crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
The event was a PBR record-breaking spectacle, with a sold-out crowd of over 6,500 fans flocking to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre to witness Team Queensland solidify their position as the 2023 Origin series champions.
Throughout the night it was the rookie-filled Team New South Wales who dominated the dirt, maintaining their lead over Team Queensland by two bulls.
However, the tables turned dramatically during the final ride of the night when Team Queensland’s captain, Aaron Kleier, delivered an extraordinary performance that propelled his team into the lead by four points.
Aaron Kleier took out the event win, finishing with a 90.5 point ride on Roid Rage from Dittmann Bucking Bulls; the highest score of the night.
“When us boys put on the Queensland jersey, we know what it’s about. It’s just so good to be able to ride together as a team,” said Kleier.
Whilst Team New South Wales has fallen short in the last two rounds, reigning PBR Australia Champion and Team New South Wales Captain Cody Heffernan said they’re remaining positive ahead of the final round in Cairns on July 22, where they’re determined to end the series with an event win.
“I’m really proud of the guys, you can see that everyone put it out there. We didn’t get it in the end, but everyone put in a big effort,” said Heffernan.
“We’ll be back for Cairns, and we’ll be better.”
Trailing behind Aaron Kleier was Dubbo rider James Stockdale, followed by Mitch Paton, Will Purcell and Jackson Gray.
For the bovine athletes, it was Roid Rage from Dittmann Bucking Bulls who secured the highest point of the night with a 44.5 point ride score.
PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young said it was a spectacular event that had everyone watching on their edge of their seats.
“What a battle,” said Mr Young. “Each team got nine bulls ridden, so it just came down to who rode the best bulls and got the points, and in the end that was Team Queensland.
“It all came down to Aaron Kleier who was the last bull rider out. He got the job done, got Queensland the points and secured the win for the team.
“Since we are normally an individual sport, it’s great to see the team aspect come into play during the Origin series, and see these guys work together.”
The final instalment of the PBR Origin series will take place in Cairns on July 22.
“This final round will play a crucial role in determining who will qualify for the Monster Energy PBR Australia Grand Finals occurring in Townsville in November, which is the richest bull riding event in the entire southern hemisphere,” said Mr Young.
“Since Queensland has been victorious in two out of the three event rounds, they have taken home the title of 2023 Origin Champions. This is the fourth time they have won the series since its inception in 2019.
“We’re all looking forward to the third and final round in Cairns on July 22. Team Queensland is wanting to go three for three and Team New South Wales is wanting to finish the series with a win and come back in 2024 bigger and stronger.”
Origin III will take place in Cairns on July 22.
