Tyrrell, of Tongala, in Victoria, leads the bull ride standings after the first two months of the season and is also the runaway leader in all-around cowboy standings.

An outstanding junior in the APRA, Tyrrell is in front of two of the best in the nation, past APRA bull ride title winner Rhys Angland and past world rookie bull ride champion Brad Pierce.

While the bull ride is his main event, Tyrrell also competes in the bareback bronc ride.

He faces his toughest opposition in the bareback from Heyfield, Vic, cowboy Lee Bowker.

Bowker hails originally from Normanton in far North Queensland and has been an early season leader in all around standings in past years in the APRA.

To be considered for an all around title, a cowboy must contest two events and the saddle bronc ride is the second event for Bowker.

Beverfod, Vic, cowboy Heath Chalmers is currently fifth in saddle bronc standings and will compete at Whittlesea.

Jayden Boulton from Sale in the Gippsland is a well credentialed rider who could surprise Bowker and Chalmers in the saddle bronc.

Nilma North, Vic, cowboy Terry Evison is the reigning pro tour champion and will compete in team roping, rope and tie, and steer wrestlilng.

He has the chance at Whittlesea to move up the standings. All eight open events at Whittlesea are for championship points and will be a factor in determining pro tour winners for the current season.

The Whittlesea Rodeo is the first of six within a short period in the APRA in Victoria.

On the Victorian long weekend, it will be Kyabram on March 9, Merrijig on March 10 and then Chiltern on March 11.

A rodeo is scheduled at Cockatoo on March 17 as a forerunner to one of the biggest of the year in Victoria, the Warragul Peter Evison Memorial Rodeo, on March 24.

The Whittlesea Rodeo starts at 3pm, Saturday February 25 at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.