LEVI WARD is back in the saddle after his last ride in March, and the talented youngster has come out swinging with a second place in the under 12s division at Miriam Vale in QLD, which also won him a spot in the State of Origin Team.
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"I got a good bull in the first round, and managed to come second overall, with that ride I was selected for the NSW State of Origin Team against Queensland," Levi said.
"I drew a QLD bull called Demon; I rode him for 66 points, he was cool, I'm thrilled to be back doing what I love.
"During the break, I travelled to Bundarra a couple of times and got on some great mini bulls from the Doak Bucking Company, Dad got me some steers from the Kempsey Sale Yards to practice on as well, but this is the first ride in a rodeo I've had since COVID-19."
It's been nearly nine months since COVID restrictions derailed Levi's 2020 plans, but the Macleay born bull rider kept busy by branching out to other sports during the long break.
"When it became clear rodeos were going to be on hold for a while, I signed up to play rugby league with the Kempsey Dragons under 12s for a season," Levi said.
"It was a lot of fun; I'd never played before because I've spent every weekend of the last five years on the road travelling to rodeos.
"The coach, Harold, taught me a lot. At the end of the season, I was awarded the Players Player award."
The year is nearly over, but with the effects of COVID-19 starting to ease off, Levi is looking to get back into the groove and compete in more rodeos in 2021.
International travel is still a distant prospect, but the boy from Kundabung is eagerly waiting for his chance to go back overseas and ride against some of the best riders the sport has to offer.
"I am hoping to go back to the United States in 2021; we will have to wait and see what happens with international travel though," he said.
"I'm going to compete in NRA QLD, and ABCRA whenever I can get a ride.
"At this stage, if everything goes to plan, my next rodeo will be at Warwick QLD on New Year's Eve; however, you can't be sure of anything with this new COVID world, so we'll see what happens."
Levi rides alone, but he is still quick to acknowledge all the support he gets, from the family members who have travelled and supported him every weekend, to the local sponsors who have helped pay the way.
"Thank you to my sponsors and supporters over the last six years, and for the new people who are coming on board for my 2021 journey, I hope I do you proud."
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