LAS VEGAS — Jade Corkill of Fallon and partner Chad Masters of Cedar Hill, Tenn., had only earned $15,000 apiece prior to Friday night's performance at the $6 million Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

On Friday night, though, the pair doubled that at rodeo's Super Bowl by roping their steer in 3.6 seconds despite Corkill's mishap with his rope, when it collided with the steer's horn before he roped its two hind feet.

The two also tied for first on Saturday with a time of 3.6 seconds. Corkill and Masters finished fifth in the average standings at NFR.

“It doesn't seem like anybody has a mediocre performance here,” said the 24-year-old Corkill, competing at his fourth-straight Wrangler NFR. “It seems like you're either doing really well or having a really disappointing week, and we've been on the wrong end of that this year.”

Corkill, who owns the team roping world record of 3.3 seconds (set with Masters in 2009), has decided not to compete in the first half of the 2012 season to spend more time at home with his family.

“I'm proud to represent Nevada,” said Corkill. “I'll be a Nevadan forever.”

Masters, the 2007 world champion header, was no happier about the team's performance prior to the ninth round.

“Every year you learn lessons about roping and life here,” said Masters, 30. “I guess I've got some more work to do based on my performance here, but it's about time to have some fun this week.”

The two each finished the season fourth in the world standings, with Corkill earning $152,976 and Masters $150,013.