Watching how Team Australia’s Cody Heffernan meticulously prepares for a practice ride typifies why the accomplished professional bull rider has been at the top of his game for so long. As while the bulls he encounters are unpredictable and volatile, Heffernan remains steadfast in his approach. Relaxed yet in control, respectful of his adversary but fearless and relentlessly focused on ensuring his rope is ready for the ultimate contest.
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However, even this cool customer admits to being excited about reuniting with his mentor – and Team Australia coach – the legendary Troy Dunn, being part of a team, and once again taking on the world’s best during the second leg of the inaugural PBR Global Cup in Sydney this weekend.
With its nation versus nation team format, the showdown will determine which country lays claim to the best bull riders in the world. “It is basically our Olympics,” he explains. “To throw on that jersey and ride for my country is going to be really special.”
Adding to the significance of the occasion is the fact Heffernan grew up riding with five of his team mates.
“The Richardson brothers [Cliff and Lachlan], Nathan [Burtenshaw],Troy [Wilkinson] and Ethan [Watts]. I think there is about six of us who rodeoed around New South Wales together - that’s pretty cool.”
But this is not the first time Heffernan has represented his country; in 2009 he took part in the Australia vs the Rest Of The World series.
This is where the foundations of his enduring relationship with Dunn were laid.
The only Aussie cowboy to have claimed the coveted PBR World Championship, and Brendon Clark, were his coaches.
Heffernan credits Dunn with guiding him to his 2016 PBR Australian National Championship win.
“The team was packed with Australia’s best bull riders at the time and I was just this 19-year-old rookie kid who snuck onto the team,” he says. As it turns out for the first time in eight years they ended up winning all three events.