Rugby league great Sam Thaiday has been named the inaugural ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, bringing national attention to the growing celebration of Indigenous rodeo talent and culture.
The 2025 Indigenous Rodeo Championships will be held on Sunday 10 August as the final event of a three-day program at Buchanan Park in Mount Isa.
A proud Torres Strait Islander, Mr Thaiday will attend the full weekend, supporting riders, engaging with the community and celebrating Outback Queensland's rodeo culture.
Speaking ahead of the event, the former Broncos captain said he was honoured to be involved.
"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," he said.
"Rodeo is about grit, heart, and heritage - and the Indigenous Rodeo Championships showcases the best of that spirit."
Thaiday played 304 games for the Broncos, represented Queensland in 29 State of Origin matches and played 34 Tests for Australia.
He was part of the 2013 World Cup-winning team and received the Ken Stephen Medal for his community work.
Since retiring from professional sport, Thaiday has remained in the public eye through media and entertainment, including his recent win on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Community Chair Mark Thompson welcomed the announcement, saying Thaiday was the ideal figure to represent the event.
"Sam is a hero both on the field and off it," Mr Thompson said.
"He embodies the values of community, pathways and respect that the Indigenous Rodeo Championships represent.
"Having him 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."
Now in its fourth year, the Indigenous Rodeo Championships has grown rapidly, earning national recognition and drawing riders from across the country.
The event has won GOLD at the Queensland Tourism Awards and received the Queensland Reconciliation Award for Partnerships with Mona Aboriginal Corporation.
Nominations are now open, with this year's program to include a free Indigenous Rodeo Clinic led by top cowboys Donovan Rutherford and Jake Curr.
Last year's results included standout performances by Jed Farrington (71 points in the Bull Ride), Luke Metcalf (69 in the Bareback), and Kimba Fien (72 in the Saddle Bronc).
Junior rider Jack Mullins won the Junior Steer event with 65 points, while Mount Isa locals Layne Creer and Cordel Gosbee led in Steer Wrestling.
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo will run from 8 to 10 August and is presented by Akubra.
