THE country's elite professional bull riders have returned from the US just to contest this year's Julia Creek Dirt 'n' Dust.
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The 2014 instalment shapes as one of the most anticipated events the North West has seen for a number of years, with a handful of A-grade riders making the trek from America.
Cloncurry's pocket rocket and 2012 Dirt 'n' Dust champion, Jason Mara, has spent the past few months honing his skills on the US tour, but has returned to Australia in the hope of adding another Julia Creek title to his belt.
Small in stature, Mara is one of the most exciting riders to watch on the PBR Tour, with his determination, size and riding style proving an electrifying combination.
Joining Mara will be 36 other accomplished athletes, including three-time Australian and defending Julia Creek champion Dave Kennedy.
Kennedy is going into this competition in fine form, arriving as one of the most consistent riders on tour.
A much-needed win in Julia Creek will position him as a contender for another Australian Title come July 19.
``This is a strong field of competitors,'' PBR general manager Glen Young said.
``You have guys like Jason Mara, Troy Wilkinson, Kurt Shepherd all back home from the US with this being their first event on Australian soil for the past few months.
``Then we have guys like Justin Paton and Ben Seeds who are battling it out for our number one ranking going into finals.''
The higher ranked riders are looking to increase their positioning in the national standings going into the July finals, where the Australian champion will receive an automatic wildcard into the October PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.
Then there are others attempting to secure a qualifying position into the three-week July Cup Series and national finals event (worth $75,000).
Dakota Brandenburg, Power Bucking Bulls and Baillie Rodeo have combined their bulls to ensure the PBR bull power is on show this weekend, also enabling every rider equal opportunity to win.
Two bulls to keep an eye out for this weekend are Brandenburg's Banteng bulls in Gotacha Rockin and Tropical Low - who are both un-ridden in their PBR careers.