Gresford's gun bull riding brothers Cliff and Lachlan Richardson lead a world class field when the PBR Monster Energy Tour returns to Newcastle next month for the eleventh consecutive year.
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Top riders from all around Australia are confirmed for the August 3 event at Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
The elite group includes 2018 Australian Champion Aaron Kleier (Clermont), 2018 Pro Rodeo Bull Riding Champion Brady Fielder (Clermont), 2017 Australian Champion Troy Wilkinson (Tamworth), 2016 Australian Champ and Hunter local Cody Heffernan (Singleton), plus of course six times PBR World Finals Qualifer Lachlan Richardson, along with his brother Cliff.
"The Hunter has long been one of the strongest breeding grounds for champion PBR riders, bulls and protection athletes," Glen Young, General Manager PBR Australia said.
"And it continues to be a powerhouse when it comes to producing the nation's top talents.
"Cody Heffernan was top of Australia's PBR standings until very recently, and he still remains a strong contender to take out the 2019 title. With a strong performance in Newcastle, there's a solid chance Cody could push himself back to the front of the title race.
"Similarly, both Cliff and Lachie are consistently threats to take out any PBR title they compete for."
On top of that, Hunter-based protection athletes Geoff Hall and Mitch Russell, who tour the PBR nationally, will also enjoy a rare home town match up with some of Australia's best bucking bulls.
"Mitch Russell and Geoff Hall unflinchingly put their bodies on the line at all of our PBR events nationally," Young said.
"It will awesome for them to display their exceptional skills and bravery in front of hometown crowds.
Russell will also double up as stock contractor for the event, with some of his best Hunter-bred bulls set to hit the dirt in a bid to claim top honours for TnR Bucking Bulls.
TnR Bucking Bulls took out PBR Australia's Stock Contractors of the Year title in 2018.
They are currently in pole position to nab the top spot again in 2019.
Tickets for the Newcastle Invitational are on-sale now at www.ticketek.com.au