Maroons out for revenge as Blues chase history in PBR Origin 2026. Zane Hall from Athol has been selected to represent the maroons.
After NSW made history in 2025 by claiming its first-ever PBR Origin Series title, the pressure is now squarely on the Blues to prove it wasn’t a one-off, while Queensland’s all-star line-up is out to take the trophy home.
Last year’s Sydney decider delivered one of the most dramatic nights in Australian bull riding history, with the Blues storming to a breakthrough victory, defeating Queensland 500.25 points to 419.50, with six qualified rides to the Maroons’ five. Now, the rematch is on.
Queensland will again be led by coach Jared Borghero, the former bull rider turned one of the toughest protection athletes in the sport, while the Blues will be guided by Gresford-born Lachlan Richardson, seven-time PBR World Finals qualifier and one of Australian bull riding’s most respected figures.
Athol rider Zane Hall is ready and rearing to go after being named in the PBR Queensland State of Origin side.
“Getting a spot on the Queensland team was huge because the competition this year is tough. There is so much talent in Australian bull-riding, especially here in Queensland,” he said.
Zane is also enjoying the chance to be a part of a team in what is otherwise a solo sport.
“A lot of it is about building trust and backing each other, because everyone feeds off the energy of the team. We’re all pretty good friends and there’s a really good vibe in the squad. …We want to ride for each other and make Queensland proud,” he said.
“There’s nothing in Australian sport quite like Origin, and in bull riding, it’s eight seconds of absolute chaos where every ride matters,” PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said.
“Last year proved the Blues are no longer underdogs, but Queensland is coming back with one thing on its mind.”
“Revenge. These are two of the strongest line-ups we’ve ever seen assembled for Origin. There’s world-class experience, young guns in red-hot form, and riders returning from the US ready to put everything on the line for their state.” He said.
“With only a couple percent difference in overall team riding percentages, this is going to be a very close contest this season. The return of Macaulie Leather and Donnie Rutherfurd is the power the Qld Team was hoping for to mix it with NSW’s top riders, plus both teams have some strong reserves also ready to step up when needed.” He said.
Zane is just focusing on his job and what it means to him and his family.
“This means a lot to me personally. Pulling on the Queensland jersey for the fourth time straight. Seeing past origin rides represent their state, it’s something every young bull rider dreams about. To now have that opportunity its time to take back whats out and bring that cup to Queensland.” Zane told On Our Selection News.
Leading Queensland’s charge is a powerhouse line-up featuring reigning Australian Champion Kurt Shephard (Mareeba), world-class talents Macaulie Leather (Calliope) and Donnie Rutherfurd (Mount Isa), both returning from blistering campaigns in the United States ahead of Origin, alongside fan favourites Zane Hall (Athol), Boston Leather (Calliope) and Ben Bode (Calliope).
Team Queensland
- Coach: Jared Borghero
- Macaulie Leather – Calliope, Qld
- Kurt Shephard – Mareeba, Qld
- Donnie Rutherfurd – Mount Isa, Qld
- Zane Hall – Athol, Qld
- Ethan Coster – Miriam Vale, Qld
- Kelsey Pavlou – Toora, Vic
- Boston Leather – Calliope, Qld
- Ky Borghero – Proserpine, Qld
- Ben Bode – Calliope, Qld
- Leith Malone – Mareeba, Qld
The Blues, meanwhile, are equally dangerous, boasting returning Origin stars Sam Woodall (Heywood), Clint Glass (Willow Tree), Dylan Weir (Tumut), Jack Rowlandson (Oberon) and Lachlan Slade (Tamworth), while also unleashing powerful international talent in Brazilians Keny Roger and Alison Aguiar. Tamworth’s Colby Edgar makes his Origin debut.
Team New South Wales
- Coach: Lachlan Richardson
- Keny Roger – Brazil
- Sam Woodall – Heywood, Vic
- Clint Glass – Willow Tree, NSW
- Colby Edgar – Tamworth, NSW
- Dylan Weir – Tumut, NSW
- Jack Rowlandson – Oberon, NSW
- Toby Collins – Maldon, Vic
- Alison Aguiar – Brazil
- Jake Swan – Mendooran, NSW
- Lachlan Slade – Tamworth, NSW
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 21 May 2026.
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