Queensland coach and Beaudesert born Jared Borghero says his side is already looking towards a series sweep after reclaiming the PBR Origin shield with a thrilling victory in Brisbane.
The Maroons wrapped up the 2026 series with a 7-6 win over New South Wales at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, overturning a late deficit to secure an unassailable 2-nil lead.
For Borghero, the result was reward for months of preparation and the commitment shown by his riders throughout the opening two rounds.
“It was an incredible feeling. It was good to get the shield back where it belongs,” he said.
“But the job’s not done yet. That’s only two. We want to go for the sweep now.”
Borghero said he could sense the belief within the Queensland camp before both victories.
“You sort of get a feeling when you’re in the dressing room,” he said.
“In Newcastle, I was extremely confident and then in Brisbane I was extremely confident as well. You could tell they’d put the work in, and they were ready to go.”
The coach said winning in front of the home crowd made the occasion even more memorable after Queensland was beaten in Brisbane last year.
“We owed it not only to Queensland, but the Brisbane fans,” he said.
“It was good to send the crowd home happy.”
Queensland’s victory was secured in dramatic fashion, with rookie Leith Malone producing the decisive ride in the closing stages after Boston Leather had kept the Maroons within striking distance.
While Queensland will lose several experienced riders before the final round as they return to the United States, Borghero believes the changes will create opportunities for the state’s next generation.
“It opens the spot up and creates opportunity for a young fellow,” he said.
“It might just take that one event, and he might train extra hard over the off-season to make sure he’s in the team next year.”
Despite already securing the shield, Borghero said the Maroons had no intention of easing off heading into the final round in Sydney, which takes place August 1.
