It’s not solely about hot music in Tamworth at the moment, the city will again stake its claim as Australia’s Rodeo Capital when the Xtreme Bulls Tour Finals and Xtreme Broncs Invitational take over the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) on Saturday, January 17.
The evening begins at 5pm with the Xtreme Mini Bulls and Junior Bull Riding, before the main event, the Xtreme Bulls Australia Pro Tour Finals, kicks off at 7pm. Australia’s top cowboys will go head-to-head with the toughest Xtreme Bulls in the country to determine the 2026 Australian Xtreme Bulls Tour Champion.
Announcer Glen Morgan said the Tamworth round attracts elite riders from across Australia, alongside strong local representation.
“We’ve got champions from Tamworth and the surrounding districts, along with riders who’ve travelled from as far north as Townsville and right down to Melbourne looking to qualify for these events,” Mr Morgan said.
“It’s a real race for the Australian title this year.”
Local competitor Daniel Rogan currently sits number one in Australia, with Victorian rider Toby Collins close behind after winning the Australian Professional Bull Riding Championship in November.
“Twenty five riders will ride twice over two full rounds, and the eventual winner will be crowned here on Saturday night,” Mr Morgan said.
“It’s going to be highly competitive.”
The program also includes elite bronc events, with three-time Australian champion Jarrod McKane among the headline riders in the Xtreme Broncs Australia Tamworth Invitational, alongside the Xtreme Bareback Bronc Chute Out.
Local rider Cooper Mitchell, originally from Dubbo and now based in Tamworth, said riding in front of a home crowd adds another edge.
“I hope to ride both my bulls and come out on top,” Mr Mitchell said.
“That’s everyone’s goal, but it would be pretty special to do it here.”
Mr Mitchell said the atmosphere inside AELEC lifted riders.
“The music’s pumping, the crowd’s right around you, and it gives you a lot more confidence,” he said.
“When you’re on the bull, everything goes blank for those eight seconds. It’s all muscle memory.”
Melbourne rider Colby Edgar, fresh from competing in the United States, said mindset is critical.
“You’ve always got to go in thinking you can win,” Mr Edgar said. “If you don’t think you’re going to win, there’s no point going.”
Mr Edgar said the Tamworth venue compares favourably with major international arenas.
“The scene overseas is bigger, but this venue is right up there with some of the best,” he said.
Mr Morgan said the quality of livestock is what defines the Xtreme events.
“We don’t just focus on the competitors, we focus on the stock,” he said.
“That’s what makes it true Xtreme competition.”
With a prize purse exceeding $30,000 across the weekend, organisers expect a capacity crowd and a night of non-stop action.
“If you want action everytime that gate opens, this is where it happens,” Mr Morgan said.
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