Boys Are Back Together
It has been a long time between drinks and everyone who is anyone in the world of rodeos will be heading to Singleton Showground on April 24 for what will be a sensational event.
Singleton Rodeo will have a full program complete with the bull ride, saddle bronc, bare back, kids mini bull ride, steer wrestle, rope and tie and team rope with both junior and senior events set to entertain. The bistro and bar will be open with the event kicking off at 10am.
No doubt the stars of the show will be the bull fighters who bring their own unique excitement to the event. It has been three years since Ben McKenzie, Corey Duncan and Jock Bone-Langdon have been in the bull arena together and the anticipation of this reunion is sending a buzz around the rodeo community.
The trio are just as excited about returning to the arena in a role that keeps their adrenaline pumping and the tickers working overtime.
Their job, they say, is to beat the beast, and more importantly protect the bull riders from injury.
“We really are decoys, we are in the ring together and our job is to attract the attention of the bull away from a rider who has come off,” Jock said.
It is about reading the cattle, to be one step ahead. It is a little easier when they know the bulls and over the years, the repeat appearances of some of the top name bulls has given them a heads up on what to expect in the ring, but April 24 will be different. There will be plenty of new bulls lining up to take on the bull riders because of the long hiatus due to covid cancellations and the boys anticipate there will be plenty of support for the event.
“Singleton is such a great location because we are so central in New South Wales so we will have people coming from all over the state to compete,” Jock added.
Jock will also compete in the steer wrestle, the rope and tie and team rope events and plans to win all three with a bit of luck.
He puts his money where his mouth is when it comes to the sport and sits as a director on the Australian Bull Fighting Panel for the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association. It requires him to certify up and coming bull fighters and no one gets the green light without the right skills.
“It is dangerous, no doubt about it, and the riders themselves can get seriously hurt, we are putting our lives on the line, often for complete strangers, and bull fighters need to know what they are doing,” Jock said.
Limited tickets for the event are selling fast at www.huntervalleytickets.com.au or visit the showground office in Bathurst Street on Thursdays between 10am and 3pm.