New England’s bull riding talent will be in the spotlight on Saturday night when Tamworth’s Lachlan Slade lines up for New South Wales in the opening round of the 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series in Newcastle.
Slade will join a powerful Blues line-up aiming to build on last year’s historic State of Origin triumph, when NSW claimed its first-ever PBR Origin Series title in a dramatic Sydney decider.
The 2026 campaign begins at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on May 30, before moving to Brisbane on June 6 and concluding in Sydney on August 1.
One of the most experienced riders in the NSW side, Slade brings a proven record under pressure and will again play a key role as the Blues chase back-to-back series victories against a Queensland side hungry for redemption.
The Maroons arrive with a formidable squad led by reigning Australian champion Kurt Shephard, alongside returning international competitors Macaulie Leather and Donnie Rutherfurd.
New South Wales, however, enters the opener with strong momentum and depth, including Sam Woodall, Clint Glass, Dylan Weir, Jack Rowlandson and Brazilian recruits Keny Roger and Alison Aguiar.
The Blues will again be coached by seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier Lachlan Richardson, while Queensland is under the guidance of former rider Jared Borghero.
PBR Australia’s Simon Mallory said Slade’s experience would be vital for NSW in Newcastle.
“The seasoned veterans of Clint, Toby, Lachlan Slade are no strangers to pressure and pulling of high scoring rides while the new Brazilian Keny Roger is as good as we’ve seen from the internationals in the last few years, and putting serious heat on Kurt for end of year Gold Buckle.”
Mallory also praised the form of the NSW squad heading into the series opener.
“New South Wales rider Sam Woodall is so hot right now he has to be careful where goes to not cause a bushfire! He was dominant in the recent Sydney Meatstock and looks good for Newcastle, and Dylan Weir is riding like the Cowboy of Origin cheque is already his.”
Last year’s Origin finale delivered one of the biggest nights in Australian bull riding history, with NSW defeating Queensland 500.25 points to 419.50 after recording six qualified rides to the Maroons’ five.
Saturday’s Newcastle opener shapes as another high-stakes clash as the Blues look to defend their crown and Queensland fights to reclaim interstate bragging rights.
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