EIGHT seconds isn’t long in a rugby league game, but Wattles’ hooker Liam Ross knows from hard hitting experience that it can feel like infinity when you’re steer riding.
But the A Grade football player is hoping to go the distance when he switches sports again this weekend to defend his celebrity rider title at the annual Wattles Rodeo in Allora.
It is the third year the local football club has held the rodeo as a major fund-raiser and the chance to watch rugby league stars like Ross, and team-mates Dale Perkins, Jayden Baker, Brendan Perkins, Matt Wiedman and Michael Crank try their hand in the arena has guaranteed an audience.
Wattles club president Neil Phelan said last year’s rodeo attracted more than 1000 people, including a swag of professional bull riders.
“It’s an important fund-raiser for our club, but it’s also become a really popular event for the local community, as well as serious rodeo competitors,” Mr Phelan said.
“We’re fortunate to have professional rodeo organiser Scott Keogh live locally, so he joins with us to organise the event and brings along some of Australia’s top bull riders.
“So while our footballers get their time in the spotlight, the crowd is also guaranteed a chance to see some of the best rodeo competitors around.”
It might be the sport’s big guns who steal the glory, but an auction of the celebrity riders, before they tackle the steer ride ensures the locals have maximum crowd support.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s footy or rodeo, we’re very loyal around here and we like to see locals do well, so there is always some enthusiastic bidding at the auction,” Mr Phelan said.
“I am tipping Liam Ross to ride time again and it’s a place for picking favourites so get on board and support the boys.”
Meanwhile Mr Phelan said like all community events, the rodeo came together as a result of the generosity of many local businesses and individuals and the club was grateful for their support.
The 2016 Wattles Rodeo kicks off at the Allora Showgrounds this Saturday, from 5pm, with the junior rodeo events. The celebrity steer ride starts at 6pm, followed by the main rodeo at 6.30pm. Entry: adults $20, children under 14 free.
This year there will also be a children’s push bike give away at the rodeo courtesy of Warwick ice-cream van extraordinaire Charlie Thorne.
Wattles would like to thank their 2016 rodeo sponsors: GrainX; Pursehouse Rural, Allora; Thompson Longhorn; Glenn and Margaret Hentschel; Whites Garage; Willett Electrical; Breelong Agri-Services; Ray Bunch Machinery; Riverina (Australia) Pty Ltd; Southern Downs Ag; Clifton Real Estate; Clifton Auto Ag; Paul Parker Painters; Allora Engineering and Welding; Woods Grain; Hughes Elite Builders; PBA Feeds; Federal Ammunition Company (Talgai); Gilmore Cabinets; Wilson and Rigby Allora Paint and Panel; South Qld Engine Reconditioning; Allora Show Society; Railway Hotel, Allora; Eggcettera.
