RODEO: Michael Maher isn't overthinking his preparation for the start of next week's Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals.

"I will just take it horse by horse,” he said, knowing the national finals rounds were on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon.

Maher first qualified for the APRA national finals in 2010 where he split the average at the finals at the Gold Coast. He then enjoyed success in North American before qualifying for the APRA national finals in 2015 and 2016.

Last year, he went into the finals soon after recovering from an ankle injury so is in better shape this year.

Maher was in Canada in July and August, including a family wedding, so didn't go for a fourth successive saddle bronc win at Mt Isa.

He bucked off in his first ride back at St Brendan's Rodeo at Yeppoon but has three or four training sessions planned.

"Mick Aspinall has a few bucking horses I plan to get on before the Warwick Rodeo,” he said.

When he comes to the finals, Maher said under the new points system any of the 15 qualifiers could win.

As for his greatest threat, he lists two NSW riders, past title winner Brad Pierce and this year's Mt Isa Rodeo saddle bronc winner Cody Angland.

Last year at the Warwick Rodeo, John McNamee (Millmerran) won the title and Allan Powell (Springsure) the average and Maher said both would take some beating.

Swanfels rider Lane Grayson has qualified in 15th place for the national finals.

"I have travelled a bit with Lane to rodeos and hope he does well,” Maher said.

"We will be riding the best horses in Australia at the nationals finals,” he said.