By HARRY CLARKE
SATURDAY night’s PBR Rockhampton Invitational could be a game changer for the results of the PBR Grand Finals in two weeks’ time, as vital points go up for grabs on the homestretch to crown Australia’s best bull rider.
After the shakeup of standings at last weekend’s Caboolture Invitational at QSEC arena, PBR Australia general manager Glen Young said all pended on the results of tomorrow’s event at Rockhampton’s iconic Great Western Hotel.
“This weekend in Rockhampton really is ‘make or break’ as it is the last event before the Grand Finals and has the potential to drastically change the standings,” Young said.
“The top-6 in the 2021 PBR Australia National Standings are separated by under 175 points, making it one of the tightest title races that we have seen in many years.
“Nothing is set in stone yet – it is still anyone’s game, and we could see any rider walk away with the title.”
COUNTRY CALLER COVERAGE OF 2020 ROCKHAMPTON PBR
Current No. 1 Aaron Kleier is chasing history this year as he attempts his fourth consecutive national title.
If successful, the 23-year-old sensation would make history and tie with David Kennedy for most Australian national titles won by one rider in league history.
“Aaron is a strong rider and he has had a great run this season,” Glen Young said.
“However he didn’t have his best rides last weekend in Caboolture and placed fourth, so I think he will be looking to redeem himself in Rockhampton and keep his eye firmly on the national title.
“Rookie sensation Macaulie Leather, who is currently ranked No. 2, is also only 106 points behind Aaron Kleier, so everything is really depending on the outcome of tomorrow night.”
As the season enters the homestretch, the anticipation is building amongst riders and contractors alike for who will be crowned the 2021 PBR Australian Champion rider, Bull of the Year, and Contractor of the Year at the Monster Energy PBR Australia Grand Finals that will be held at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on November 26-27.
“The PBR is the biggest event in the country with 1.6 million avid fans across Australia,” Glen Young said.
“We’ve had a great season and we’re looking forward to the Grand Finals in Townsville to see who takes out the title.”
The Monster Energy PBR Australia Grand Finals will be held in Townsville, Queensland at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on November 26 & 27.
