The 2025 Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships brought together some of Australia's top Indigenous riders at the weekend for a day of red dirt competition.

Former NRL star and Indigenous ambassador Sam Thaiday said the championships were an important step in creating pathways for young riders.

"It is about opportunities and being seen," Thaiday said.

"If it was not for the opportunities through those pathways, I do not get the NRL career that I had... the opportunities to represent the Queensland Academy of Sport and the Australian Institute of Sport came through those pathways and that is when I was seen and contracted with the Broncos.

"It is very similar to what they are doing here and it is good to see those opportunities there."

Thaiday said the event could help take young competitors onto the international stage.

"I have already heard some of the stories of young talent going to America and that is what it is all about, getting some of these Indigenous superstars on the international stage," he said.

"There are so many opportunities that can come from competing in sport and I think this is a very cool sport, - a very dangerous sport - but it can take you places all over the world and I would love to see some of these young Indigenous boys and girls get overseas and see what the world has to offer."

Waanyi man and event organiser, Darryl Chong said the Indigenous championships had grown each year and could soon become a standalone fixture.

"We are getting support from all over the country with Indigenous riders wanting to come here and compete at Mount Isa," Chong said.

"It is only fitting that we have the Mount Isa Indigenous Championship here at the biggest and best rodeo in Australia."

Mt Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships Results

Bull Ride:

1st Jake Stower

2nd Alan Gilbo

3rd Ezekial Douglas

Bareback:

1st Jesse Amber

2nd Harrison Oscar

Saddle Bronc:

1st Clayton Brayden

Breakaway Roping:

1st Brooke Pokarier

Rope & Tie:

1st Joseph Foxlee

Steer Wrestling:

1st Max Hardin

2nd Cordell Gosbee

Junior Barrel Race:

1st Leila Rose Aliya Simpson

2nd Skyla Rainbow

3rd Wyatt Gill

Barrel Race:

1st Abby Plate

2nd Leila Rose Aliya Simpson

3rd Stacey Wilborn

Jnr Steer Ride:

1st Simon Collett

2nd Hunter Kerr

3rd Mackewan Hookey-Lansen

Mini Bulls (8 – 10 years):

1st Dallas Murphy

2nd Logan Booth

3rd Kolton Rice

Mini Bulls (11 – 14 years):

1st Wyatt Gill

2nd Mackewan Hookey-Lansen

3rd Zackahn Willetts