Broncos unleash Jordan Riki for NRL debut against Canberra Raiders
It’s been a turbulent past six months for Jordan Riki but the hulking 106kg forward gets his sweet reward with a Broncos debut against the Green Machine.
NRL
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Jordan Riki’s injury-riddled and emotionally turbulent season has had a silver lining with the hulking Broncos rookie to make his NRL debut in Saturday night’s against the Raiders in Canberra.
If anyone deserves a start in the NRL this season, it is the chiselled, hard-running New Zealand-born forward.
Riki was on track for his NRL baptism in round one against the Cowboys but his season quickly unravelled, suffering two injury setbacks, damaging his medial collateral ligament before breaking down with an ankle problem.
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During the NRL’s two-month coronavirus hiatus, Riki headed to New Zealand, finding comfort in family support. Upon his return to Australia, he was forced into strict lockdown for 14 days in a hotel room to ensure he adhered to the government’s strict COVID health protocols.
Riki struggled mentally during his fortnight of solitude, but Brisbane‘s injury crisis has opened the door for the 20-year-old to enjoy a sweet reward with his maiden Broncos jumper after months of anguish.
“It’s a fantastic story,” said Broncos caretaker coach Peter Gentle.
“Jordan has been in our system a number of years now and he captained the Junior Kiwis last season.
“If it wasn’t through injury he definitely would have made his debut before this weekend. He has had a lot of adversity to overcome this season and his mum would be very proud of where he is at the moment and about to put on the Broncos jumper for the first time.”
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At 106kg and 190cm, the well-built Riki played 15 games for Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup season, impressing with his powerful frame and athleticism on the edges.
Capable of playing back-row or prop, Riki made his debut for the Maori All Stars in February and will be tasked with providing some hard-running punch off the bench against the Raiders.
A Josh Papalii-led Raiders pack will test Riki mentally and physically but his character has been examined numerous times this year.
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“During the COVID break, Jordan went back to New Zealand and had to come back and spend two weeks in a hotel room by himself which he didn’t handle real well,” Gentle said.
“He also had an MCL injury earlier in the year. Then he had syndesmosis with his ankle so he’s overcome all that.
“Out of our reserve-grade side, he’s been one of the best.
“He’s been knocking on the door there so it is real privilege to give him a go this weekend and the boys are right behind him.”