The south is known as a breeding ground for top cowboys and cowgirls and this year there is a competitor from this region in almost all events.

In fact, the Riverina and southern NSW could emerge as one of the most dominant regions in the country at the finals this week. 

Ben Hall of Tumbarumba is a favourite in the bareback event and says he is looking forward to notching up some good results at the finals. 

“I am feeling confident and I have been on a few of the practice horses at Tumbarumba,” he said. In addition to riding broncs he has been going to the gym and the pool daily. 

“I am feeling pretty good apart from a bit of niggle in my elbow.” 

Fellow rough stock competitor Brad Pierce of Tooma will represent the region in the saddle bronc. Cody Angland of Wantabadgery also has a finals position in the saddle bronc after securing some big wins throughout the season. Angland rides into the finals after winning one of Australia’s most coveted rodeos, Mount Isa. 

It was this win which was considered one of the highlights of his career. 

Angland, 32, repeated history and followed in his father’s footsteps after Phil Angland notched up a win at Mount Isa back in 1986. The only difference was his dad’s win was in the bareback competition. 

And Marrar’s Brock Mulhall will compete in the bareback. 

Barrel racer Adele Edwards of Nangus has been a dominant force on the circuit for decades and will put her skills to the test at Warwick. She heads into the finals in Queensland after securing a win at the Australian Barrel Horse Association (ABHA) event at Tarcutta on Saturday. 

To the east of the region fellow timed-event competitor Clay Bush of Yass has qualified in two events and will be strong in the steer wrestling and rope and tie. 

And to the south at Table Top the Gard family continue their dominance with Stephanie Gard competing in the break-away roping and her brother Ben Gard in the bull riding.