FORMER world rookie champion Brad Pierce will compete in the bull and saddle bronc rides at the Corryong Man from Snowy River Festival Rodeo in Victoria tonight.
Pierce won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rookie bull ride and all around titles when he was based in America early in his career and has continued his outstanding form in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.
The cattleman from Tooma (NSW) who once called Oxley in Victoria home will face his toughest opposition in the bull ride and saddle bronc tonight (Friday) from Victorian star Toby Collins, of Maldon.
Like Pierce, Collins tried his luck in America early in his open career and late last year returned home in time to win the saddle bronc at a rodeo dubbed the most famous in Australia at Warwick in Queensland.
Pierce has drawn the bull Pancho at Corryong and Collins will aim to go eight seconds on White Lightning.
In the saddle bronc, Pierce will ride Suiez City and Collins has drawn China Doll. Some of their toughest opposition will come from South Australian rider David Stacey.
One second-division rider to watch will be Yarrawonga junior Sallly Malay who is originally from Western Australia and starring at both ends of the arena in rough stock and timed events.
The Corryong Rodeo will also feature a barrel race for the cowgirls.
The rodeo at the Corryong Recreation Reserve is for circuit points in the APPA and is one of the activities during a busy festival program.
