Rodeo: Lanigan brothers ready for Aussies

Two Northlanders will be riding for New Zealand in the three Far North legs of the national rodeo circuit next week.

Mangamuka's Klay Lanigan will captain the New Zealand team - featuring younger brother Bradley - when it takes on its Australia counterparts in the transtasman high school challenge series in Kaitaia on January 2, Peria on January 3, and the second division event in Umawera on January 3.

The pair will be contesting the bull riding and saddle bronc events in the challenge, which also has participants contesting steer riding and barrel racing divisions.

Both Bradley, aged 14, and Klay, 17, are currently at the top of the standings on the national circuit which is now well under way for the summer; with the younger Lanigan recognised in various provincial and regional sporting awards this year.

Organisers encouraged the locals to support these events especially with the transtasman challenge being part of proceedings this year.

"Rodeo is a great family day out to see the cowboys who come from all over the country and, this year, Australia, entertaining the crowds in the action-packed and thrill-seeking events like bull riding, saddle bronc, bare back, steering wrestling, rope'n'tie, team roping and the popular barrel racing. Come along and cheer on these young cowboys and cowgirls competing for our country," said a spokesperson for the event.

All three rodeos start at 10am, with the high school challenge to be staged around lunch time. Gate entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children; with some rodeos offering family concessions.APN News & Media