Rookie title race heats up
THE PBR young guns are making a move on the Australian standings, with three rookie riders in the top 20.
Leading the rookie pack on 770 points, is well-known Tully cowboy Michael Smith currently ranked number 12 on the Australian standings.
This dedicated young man could have made a name for himself in the sport of rugby league, but chose the world of bull riding.
To date his highest scoring ride was an 88 on JP Gills bull Coors Light in front of a packed house at the Tamworth PBR Invitational, last November.
Sitting in 14th position on the Australian standings and just 7.5 points behind Michael in the rookie race is Lachlan Slade, raised in Warwick and now residing in Tamworth.
To date Lach’s highest scoring ride was at Grafton where he notched up 87.5 points on Timm’s bull Big Bucks. Lach has been enjoying short stint on the North America PBR over the past five weeks, adding to his winnings bank account.
Next in line is Mundubberra’s Lane Mellers with 515.8 points. Having only competed at a handful of PBR events the 18-year-old, with a smile that lights up an arena, brought the crowd to its feet at the recent Brisbane Last Cowboy Standing PBR event.
He was the first ever and only cowboy to conquer Game On from King Bucking Bulls, who announced prior to Brisbane that the bull was to be retired.
Every event on the PBRA Tour earns points towards the Australian and World standings.
These three talented young riders will all be heading to the Monster Energy Great Northern Newcastle Invitational Saturday, August 11 at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, and with $20,000 up for grabs, they will be looking to take a share of the prizemoney.
Their goal will be to make each and every ride count – as each every ride will take them a step closer to the rookie title which will be decided at the PBRA Grand Finals to be held at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on November 23-24.
To keep up to date with all the latest PBRA news, visit www.pbraustralia.com.au.