QLD WINS Origin II, sealing the Series in Brisbane
Sydney set to be a redemption ride for the Blues
The mighty Queensland Maroons have reclaimed the PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series, winning on the dirt in front of a packed Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Queensland Day to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead and return the coveted Origin trophy to the Sunshine State.
After last week’s Newcastle nailbiter delivered one of the closest contests in Origin history, the Maroons left no doubt in Brisbane, winning on 593.10 points (7 qualified rides) to the Blues’ 510.30 (6 qualified rides) to wrap up the 2026 series with one round still to ride.
The defining moment came in the Championship Round when Mareeba’s Leith Malone climbed aboard Turbo knowing Queensland needed one final statement. The young cowboy delivered. His pressure-packed 84.25-point ride sealed the victory, sending the Brisbane crowd into celebration and ensuring the Origin shield would return north of the border.
Queensland’s newest star, Ethan Coster, again proved instrumental in the Maroons’ success. The Miriam Vale rookie sensation backed up his Newcastle heroics with another standout performance, finishing two-from-three and continuing his remarkable debut Origin campaign.
While Queensland celebrated the team victory, New South Wales rider Keny Roger de Oliveira produced a performance for the ages to claim individual honours. Representing the Blues, the Brazilian sensation won the event with an aggregate score of 172.10 points, collecting 268 Origin points and delivering the ride of the night.
His spectacular 89.50-point score aboard the legendary Alpha Blokes Warden not only topped the leaderboard but also ended one of the most remarkable streaks in Australian bull riding.
*** The reigning 2025 Bucking Bull of the Year, Alpha Blokes Warden had remained undefeated throughout his career, bucking off every rider who had attempted him. Until last night in Brisbane. Roger de Oliveira became the first cowboy to conquer the champion bull, producing a ride that will be talked about for years to come.
Adding to the night’s elite bovine performances, Stetson Nirvana from Dittmann Bucking Bulls claimed Highest Marked Bull honours with a score of 44.30 points, securing back-to-back wins.
Cowboy of Origin Standings
- Keny Roger de Oliveira (NSW)
- Ethan Coster (QLD)
- Boston Leather (QLD)
- Sam Woodall (NSW)
- Macaulie Leather (QLD)
PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young said Queensland had risen to the occasion when it mattered most. “To win an Origin Series on Queensland Day in front of a packed Brisbane crowd is pretty special,” Young said. “Last week was incredibly tight, but Queensland came out tonight determined to finish the job. They rode with confidence, they rode as a team, and they earned this series victory.”
“At the same time, what Keny Roger de Oliveira achieved on Alpha Blokes Warden was extraordinary. To be the first rider to conquer the reigning Bucking Bull of the Year is something fans will remember for a very long time.”
Queensland Coach Jared Borghero said he couldn’t be more proud of this Queensland team if he tried. “To win the way they did in a typical Queensland move full of grit and determination they showed up and never gave up and had each other’s back like true Queenslanders. These jersey aren’t given out they are earnt and these boys showed why they were the ones wearing them. The Queensland spirit is a real thing and we saw it firsthand last night.”
The rivalry now heads to Sydney’s TikTok Entertainment Centre on August 1, where Queensland will chase a clean sweep and New South Wales will ride for pride, redemption and the chance to finish the series on a high.
The trophy may already be heading north, but Origin isn’t over yet. And if the first two rounds have proven anything, it’s that anything can happen in eight seconds.
Next Stop: Sydney
The rivalry now heads south to Sydney on August 1, where the Maroons will have the opportunity to wrap up the 2026 series 3-0, and the Blue will ride for pride.
PBR Monster Energy Origin Series – THE SCOREBOARD SO FAR!
- 2019: Queensland
- 2020: Covid year
- 2021: Queensland
- 2022: Queensland
- 2023: Queensland
- 2024: Queensland
- 2025: News South Wales
2026 PBR Monster Energy Origin Series
PBR Australia Presents: PBR Monster Energy Origin III – SYDNEY
August 1 at 7:00 PM at TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney
PBR Monster Energy Origin III tickets | TikTok Entertainment Centre | Ticketek Australia
ABOUT PBR AUSTRALIA
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the world, with tours across the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. A subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings —which also owns UFC and WWE— has transformed bull riding into a premier international sport since its founding in 1992. The organisation features over 1,000 riders globally and hosts more than 200 events annually worldwide. In Australia, Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA) stages more than 20 events each year, attracting over 75,000 fans. PBRA showcases key events and tours such as the Monster Energy Tour, PBR Origin Series, and PBR Grand Finals, while also partnering with regional event organisers through the PBR Touring Pro Division. The organisation supports emerging talent through its Can-Am Junior Academy and serves as an international pathway to the United States circuit for both Junior and Open competition athletes.
