‘ Mad’ cowboys take on unridden king of rodeo

NORTH Queensland is renowned Cowboys country but rugby league will take a back seat to those of a different variety at this weekend’s Iron Cowboy II at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

American Thor Hoefer will take on a bull yet to be ridden in 100 attempts, but is taking a glass half- full approach.

“It’s a sweet opportunity to ride him. There’s not a bull rider that can’t be thrown, and there’s not a bull that can’t be rode,” the 21- year- old said.

“Everybody’s dream is to ride the one that hasn’t been ridden before. This is my chance and it’s going to be great watching.”

The latest leg of the Professional Bull Riders circuit will pit 22 riders against each other. They will ride five bulls apiece over two nights.

“You have to almost get on to understand what kind of power they have,” Hoefer, a first- time visitor to Australia, said. “They can flick a fly off their back with their tail, they know where you are on their back. They feel if you’re nervous so you’ve just got to keep it together and dominate them from the word go.”

North Queensland Cowboys player Josh Chudleigh was on hand to help promote the event yesterday and said the riders were a level above any footballer’s bravery.

“They’re nuts. They’re just crazy and show no fear at all. I take my hat off to them,” Chudleigh said.

“I’ve been on a couple of those mechanical bulls but I couldn’t stay on for longer than five seconds.”

The bull riding action gets under way at 7.30pm tonight and 8pm tomorrow. Go to pbraustralia. com. au to purchase tickets. Chudleigh’s road back from injury: Sport