The Upper Hunter and Newcastle will play hosting roles in 2026 when the PBR Australia Monster Energy Tour starts next month.
Following an unforgettable year that rewrote the record books, Scone’s White Park is set to stage the season opener on 7 February.
All the bull riding action then returns to the region on 30 May, with the Newcastle Entertainment Centre the scene for the ever-popular State of Origin showdown.
Also making its PBR debut in 2026 is Coffs Harbour (September).
“With so many great bull riders coming out of NSW right now, Scone’s a fitting place to start again,” PBR Australia managing director Glen Young said.
“Those to watch this season are Queenslanders Zane Hall, Thomas Triplett, Kurt Shephard and Donovan Rutherford, as well as Willow Tree’s Clint Glass and New Zealander Riley Ward.
“So, with several great emerging riders in the mix, Scone will test who’s ready to step up in 2026 when the chutes open.
“This year will see more than $1 million in posted prizemoney and bonuses awarded to cowboys, with at least 29 events scheduled from as far north as Cairns right down the east coast to Adelaide.”
The fiercely-contested PBR Origin Series continues in 2026, too.
And, the mighty Maroons are out for revenge after the Blues made history in claiming the title in 2025 for the first time.
The battle begins in Newcastle on 30 May, before Brisbane on 6 June and then the finale in Sydney at the TikTok Entertainment Centre on 1 August.
Meanwhile, the season will once again end where legends are made, in Townsville, home of Australia’s biggest weekend in bull riding over 13 and 14 November.
Similarly, the 2025 PBR Australia Can-Am Junior Academy Series wrapped up in spectacular fashion, delivering edge-of-your-seat action and showcasing the next generation of talent.
In the pee wee division, Chase Berry from Gunnedah won the series, while fellow NSW young rider Nash Goddard from Glendon Brook captured the junior crown.
Chase Wieland from Gympie in Queensland prevailed in the senior series buckle and Tamworth’s Liam Birks took out the Rising Star title.
“With the finale of 2025 finishing on a such a great note and Kurt Shephard breaking not only a PBR Australia but also an Australian Rodeo record in single career earnings in the discipline of bull riding, 2026 is shaping up to be a hotly-contested season,” Young said.
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