Dunn is currently fifth on Australian Professional Rodeo Association Bull Ride standings and faces some of his toughest opposition from fellow North Queensland rider Jake Whalan, of Mt Coolon, third on APRA standings.

Dunn and Whalan won a round each at Bowen River last year.

Dysart rider Sonny Schafferius has been one of the best performing Bull Riders in the APRA in the past five years and has nominated for both rodeos at Bowen River. He has previously placed at Bowen River.

There are 245 nominations in open, junior and second-division rodeos on Saturday and 147 in the second open rodeo on Sunday.

At a rodeo with a first round and finals, a rider thrown off after one second on day 1 is eliminated from that event for the weekend but at Bowen River they are able to roll up their sleeves and line up in a separate rodeo on the Sunday.

There will be some strong competition in saddle bronc with Allan Powell (Springsure), John McNamee (Millmerran), Michael Maher and Lane Grayson (Warwick) and Cameron Webster (Wandoan) all in the hunt.

Nebo cowboy Jarrod Deguara will be one of the riders to watch in Steer Wrestling, an event where current APRA All Around Champion Shane Iker will be one of his toughest opponents.

Townsville rider Campbell Hodson, third in APRA All Around Cowboy standings, has nominated for the Rope and Tie, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping.

There are 20 cowgirls in the Barrel Race and 24 in Breakaway Roping at each rodeo.