When you hear mention of State of Origin most automatically think of rugby league but there is another sport that runs a state versus state competition and Singleton’s Sonny Heffernan will represent NSW when the PBR Origin Series kicks off.
The 11-year-old mini bull rider will represent New South Wales in the Peewee division with the first round to be contested in Newcastle on May 3 followed by Brisbane on June 7 and the finals in Sydney on July 5.
Sonny’s selection came about after he won the PBR Can-Am Junior Academy Australian title last year and he is excited to be taking on Queensland’s Clayton Walker.
The Origin Series sees one rider from Queensland and New South Wales selected in the Peewee, Junior, Senior and Rising Stars categories which is primarily an exhibition and skills development program for under 18s. The over 18s is the Open Class category with winners determined.
The Hunter Valley will be well represented at the State of Origin with Darcy Wilton contesting the seniors category. Darcy recently moved to Muswellbrook from Tea Gardens.
Willow Tree’s Cody Sternbeck will contest the Rising Stars category.
Kassedy Carlon is the fourth member of the team and he is from Bundarra.
Sonny works on his skills every day but only gets on the back of a mini bull about once a fortnight but it is something he loves.
The Origin Series will see him take in one ride at each of the three venues with the aim on staying on the mini bull’s back for the required eight seconds. But there is so much more to the program with all taking part in team lunches, personal development programs and media training.
Sonny and parents, Brad and Hollie Heffernan, acknowledge the support Sonny has received in developing his skills, particularly from his Uncle Craig Heffernan who is always willing to help with anything his young nephew needs.
The first round of the State of Origin is at Newcastle Entertainment Centre and the event is already sold out.
“It is a great experience to get out and ride in front of such a massive crowd, it is loud and electric and the Newcastle crowd is like nothing else, they go crazy, and I cannot wait,” Sonny said.
Go New South Wales.
-DI SNEDDON
