Top runners to face off at Bowen River rodeos

Dunn is currently fifth on Australian Professional Rodeo Association Bull Ride standings and loves the chance to compete in his home region.

He will face some of his toughest opposition from fellow North Queensland rider Jake Whalan, of Mt Coolon, who is third on APRA standings.

Dunn and Whalan won a round each at Bowen River last year.

Dysart rider Sonny Schafferius has been one of the best performing Bull Riders in the APRA in the past five years and has nominated for both rodeos at Bowen River. He has previously placed at Bowen River.

One fact that makes Bowen River stand out as a rodeo centre is that each year two separate rodeos are held on the one weekend.

There are 245 nominations in open, junior and second-division rodeos on Saturday and 147 in the second open rodeo on Sunday.

At a rodeo with a first round and finals, a rider thrown off after one second on day 1 is eliminated from that event for the weekend but at Bowen River they are able to roll up their sleeves and line up in a separate rodeo on the Sunday.

There will be some strong competition in saddle bronc at Bowen River with Allan Powell (Springsure), John McNamee (Millmerran), Michael Maher and Lane Grayson (Warwick) and Cameron Webster (Wandoan) all capable of winning the Saddle Bronc on each day at Bowen River.

Nebo cowboy Jarrod Deguara will be one of the riders to watch in Steer Wrestling, an event where current APRA All Around Champion Shane Iker will be one of his toughest opponents.

Townsville rider Campbell Hodson has nominated for the Rope and Tie, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping on Saturday and Sunday at Bowen River . He is third in APRA All Around Cowboy standings so has enjoyed an outstanding season to date.

There are 20 cowgirls in the Barrel Race and 24 in Breakaway Roping at each rodeo.

The action at the Bowen River Rodeo held at Strathmore Station starts at 9am Saturday and 9am Sunday, tickets on sale at the gate.