05/08/2026
🏆 𝑭𝑰𝑹𝑺𝑻 𝑰𝑵 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑯𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑹𝒀 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑺 – 𝑱𝑨𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑫 𝑴𝒄𝑲𝑨𝑵𝑬
When the Tumbarumba Rodeo celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, it also introduced a brand new honour ‘the Ossie Cottam All Round Cowboy Award’. A fitting tribute to one of Tumbarumba's greatest all-round cowboys, the award recognises competitors willing to test themselves at both ends of the arena, embodying the true spirit of the all-round cowboy.
The very first name to be etched into the history books is Jarrod McKane from Chiltern, Victoria.
For Jarrod, becoming the inaugural recipient is something he'll always treasure.
"I'm proud to be the first recipient of this award. It's a real honour to wear the jacket with Ossie's name on it, as he paved the way for so many cowboys throughout Australia."
A four-time APRA Australian Ba****ck Riding Champion, Jarrod entered his favourite event, the ba****ck bronc ride, alongside the team roping.
"I've been ba****ck riding for almost 10 years, so that's always my number one event. I decided to enter the team roping for a bit of fun with my mate & mentor, Brock Mulhall."
Competing in both roughstock & timed events demands completely different skills. While Jarrod admits he's still learning the ropes in the timed events, he hopes to spend more time on them one day. "The timed events are mostly luck with me because I don't get much practice and I'm not very experienced. Maybe when I retire from roughstock I'll get into them a bit more. With the roughstock, I just like to keep fit and keep it basic."
Although he's also competes in bull riding & throughout his career, Jarrod says team roping remains the biggest challenge.
"I started getting on bulls again because my two-year-old son, Lenny, loves it so much."
Jarrod believes awards like this play an important role in preserving one of rodeo's proudest traditions.
"It's very important, but I believe a true all-round cowboy competes at both ends of the arena. I really hope we see more young fellas coming through with this mindset."
Tumbarumba Rodeo holds a special place in Jarrod's heart. It was here that his rodeo journey began.
"I first started my rodeo career at the Tumbarumba Rodeo schools in the ba****ck. I've also been lucky enough to help the instructors with the kids over the years. I really enjoy seeing young cowboys starting out & watching how much they improve and grow."
Behind every successful cowboy is a great support team & Jarrod is quick to acknowledge those who've helped him along the way, “Brock Mulhall has been the number one supporter of my career. I've also been fortunate to have so many great cowboys help me over the years too many to name. My wife, Molly, has also been my biggest supporter through every role."
His advice to the next generation is simple but powerful "Don't be afraid to have a go & ask lots of questions to the people you look up to and aspire to be like."
When asked whether he'll be back to defend his title?
The answer was a short & sweet "Yes!"
At just 25 years of age, Jarrod has already built an incredible resume:
• 🏆 4× APRA Australian Ba****ck Riding Champion
• 🏆 4× APRA Pro Tour Champion
• 🏆 5× Sydney Royal Show Ba****ck Riding Champion
• 🏆 2021 APRA Rookie of the Year High Point Cowboy
Congratulations once again, Jarrod McKane, on becoming the inaugural Ossie Cottam All Round Cowboy Award winner. Your name will forever be part of Tumbarumba Rodeo history & we look forward to watching you continue to inspire the next generation of all-round cowboys!
