mmg.com.au

Pierce is keen to continue his dominance in both the bucking bull and saddle bronc events, and live up to the world rookie all-round and bull riding titles he won in America.

Pierce won the all-round cowboy title after claiming the saddle bronc and open bull ride sections at Deniliquin.

The number one ranked Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) cowboy is a crowd pleaser, and will be sure not to disappoint at Finley.

At Finley, Pierce will have a tough task ahead of him after drawing the Garry McPhee horse Diana Doll and facing stiff competition.

Well known rider Peter Moffatt will be trying his hardest to knock Pierce off the top spot, with the Queenslander drawing Roach.

Pierce will also face current APRA all around champion Rhys Angland, of Wantabadgeryin NSW, who is tipped to be the ‘‘toughest opposition’’ at Finley on Friday.

There will also be a showdown expected when the cowgirls take to the rodeo arena.

Adele Edwards of Gundagai and APRA standings leader Leslie Moore from Denman in NSW will both go head-to-head again at Finley on Friday, in a field of 45.

Finley’s rodeo is among the last in what APRA calls the ‘Christmas run’ and will feature some of Australia’s best bucking bulls and broncos.

Australia’s top cowboys and cowgirls will be competing in a number of different events such as the bull ride, saddle bronc ride, bareback ride, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, team roping barrel racing and lots more.

There will also be a number of junior events like the popular pony bareback ride.

The feature event will be the poley saddle buckjump ride, where riders will be tasked with cracking a stock whip while riding a bucking horse.

And all the action will be streamed live on the Bigscreens Australia’s ‘big screen’ at the Showgrounds.

Away from the rodeo arena, there will be a licensed bar, refreshments and food available during the evening.

The gates at the Finley Showgrounds open from 5pm, with the rodeo action starting from 7pm.