Sam Thaiday saddles up as Inaugural Ambassador for Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships
This year, the Indigenous Rodeo Championships will be held on Sunday August 10, ahead of the Open Finals — making for an action-packed finale to the three legendary days of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. Sam will be at Rodeo for the full weekend, lending his support to Indigenous riders, meeting rodeo fans and families and soaking up the best of Outback Queensland.
One of Australia's most recognisable sports stars, Sam brings his passion, influence, and deep connection to community to the event, celebrating the Indigenous contribution to Australia's rodeo culture.
Best known for his 304-game career with the Brisbane Broncos, Sam represented Queensland in 29 State of Origin matches and Australia in 34 internationals, including the victorious 2013 Rugby League World Cup team. A former Broncos captain and Dally M second-rower of the year, he earned the prestigious Ken Stephen Medal for his community work helping to close the gap in Indigenous health and youth issues. Since retiring from the NRL, Sam has carved out a successful media career, appearing on Nine's rugby league coverage, The Today Show, and The Sunday Footy Show. Of course Sam was crowned King of the Jungle earlier this year in the hit series, I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. And now he's headed to the Outback.
Sam's connection to country runs deep. Born in Sydney but raised in Townsville with his four brothers, Sam is passionate about celebrating Indigenous Australians—both on and off the field- and now, both in and out of the rodeo arena! "As the first-ever ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, I'm incredibly proud to stand alongside the incredible Indigenous cowboys, cowgirls, and communities who make this event so special," Sam said. "Rodeo is about grit, heart, and heritage—and the Indigenous Rodeo Championships showcases the best of that spirit," he said.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Community Chair Mark Thompson said the appointment of Sam was a huge win for the event. "Sam is a hero both on the field and off it," he said. "He embodies the values of community, pathways and respect that the Indigenous Rodeo Championships represent. Having his as our inaugural ambassador will further inspire this – and the next - generation of Indigenous rodeo stars and help shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talent and history of Indigenous Australians in rodeo."
ABOUT the MOUNT ISA MINES INDIGENOUS RODEO CHAMPIONSHIPS
In just four years, the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships has grown into a multi-award-winning event — one that unites riders, artists and fans, celebrates the extraordinary talent of First Nations athletes, and generates serious revenue for the region. Nominations have officially opened, with the exciting announcement of a free Indigenous Rodeo Clinic, led by two of the country's top cowboys: Donovan Rutherford and Jake Curr.
Last year, raw talent was on full display: Jed Farrington (Katherine) took out the Bull Ride with 71 points, Luke Metcalf (Western) claimed the Bareback with 69 points, and Kimba Fien (Injune) rode to victory in the Saddle Bronc on 72 points. Local hope Jack Mullins thrilled the home crowd by winning the Junior Steer event with 65 points. Steer Wrestling was dominated by Mount Isa cowboys, with 27-year-old Layne Creer taking the coveted buckle ahead of 19-year-old Cordel Gosbee.
The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships has received national acclaim, winning GOLD at the Queensland Tourism Awards in the Festivals and Events category, and the Queensland Reconciliation Award for Partnerships alongside Mona Aboriginal Corporation.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra
August 8 to 10 at Buchanan Park, Mount Isa
