Newsroom

August 21, 2025

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto and NRL Cowboys Team Manager and former Cowboys player, Glenn Hall, officially announce the return of the Charity Bull Ride at a press conference in Townsville.

The Hinchinbrook MP is eager to go head-to-head with former NRL Cowboys forward, Glenn Hall, at the Charity Bull Ride taking place at the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

“With last year’s Ingham rodeo cancelled due to the wet weather, I thought that may have been the end of my bull riding carer,” Mr Dametto said.

“With the news of the rodeo’s return, I had that feeling come over me - I needed to get back on a bull. After seeing first-hand and experiencing the compassionate work performed by the Ingham Palliative Care Unit during the passing of my Nonna (Grandmother) last year, I felt compelled to do what I could to raise a few bucks to support them.

“After teeing it up with the rodeo committee, I put a quick phone call through to Cowboys CFO, Michael Luck to round us up a worthy rider to challenge me this year. It didn’t take long for legend, Glenn Hall to put his hand up for the cause.

“This will be my sixth Charity Bull Ride and my only advice to Glenn Hall is to start stretching now and you might be ready for the big dance.

“This year we’re being ambitious, our goal is $10,000 and with the help of Glenn Hall and his supporters, I believe this is an achievable target that will directly benefit our community.”

Glenn Hall is a former North Queensland Cowboys player who retired at the end of the 2015 season. With a stellar career spanning over 14 years, he played 98 games for the Cowboys in his final five seasons.

Mr Hall said he has never even sat on a bull, let alone ridden one but he was excited to be riding and raising funds for a good cause.

“It’s not every day you get the chance to do something wildly outside your comfort zone while helping to try and make a difference,” he said.

“As someone who was fortunate enough to play in the NRL, I’ve always thrived on competition. These days, I’m retired, but not retired from giving things a crack. And let’s be honest, eight seconds on a bull feels like just the right amount of time for this old body to, or at least try to, hang on for dear life.

“I have absolutely no idea how I’ll go. I might only last a second, but either way, I know the cause is worth every bump and bruise.

“I truly hope people get behind it, donate if they can and come out for a great time on 6 September.

“Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or jumping in the ring yourself, it’s all about supporting something bigger than us. So, let’s raise some funds, share some laughs, and make it a day to remember.”

To donate to the 2025 Charity Bull Ride and help raise funds for Ingham Palliative Care, please visit Ni GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/6dcfe141.

Corporate and local business sponsorship is welcome and will be given shout-outs on social media in the lead up, as well as call outs on the night of the event.

Mr Dametto and Mr Hall look forward putting on a great show at the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

 

Photo : Glenn Hall, Josh Lannen and Nick Dametto MP.