NRL 2021: Jordan Riki eyes David Fifita’s starting spot at Broncos

Coach Kevin Walters and the Brisbane Broncos have a clear idea how to use star rookie Jordan Riki this year, if pre-season drills are anything to go by.

Brisbane youngster Jordan Riki has been identified as a potential breakout star for the Broncos as he looks to fill David Fifita’s spot in the backrow.

The 21-year-old made his NRL debut for the club in August last year, after bouncing back from two separate injuries to his knee (MCL) and his ankle (syndesmosis) earlier in the season.

He proved a handful in just five games — making seven tackle breaks, a linebreak and scoring an impressive try in just over 200 minutes of game time.

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With just under two months to go until the season opener, Riki is in the running to lock down the edge backrower spot, made vacant by Fifita who has joined the Titans.

Jordan Riki has already proved a handful for NRL defences. Digital image by Jason O’Brien - NRL Photos

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has been using Riki in his starting 13 on several occasions during pre-season training drills, in a fair indication of his plans for the upcoming season.

Former captain and backrow teammate Alex Glenn believed the barnstorming young buck would be a star of the future.

“He’s putting the pressure on myself for that (backrow) spot which I love a bit of friendly competition,” Glenn said.

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“He’s a big chance of playing many games this year and he’s going to be a big star in the game in the future.

“He only just turned 21 and he was blessed to play a few games with us last year, even scoring a try.”

Jordan Riki of the Broncos is aiming for a starting spot.

Riki catapulted onto the scene when he was a surprise pick for the Maori All Stars side in the 2020 match, notching up 35 running metres and 16 tackles during his half-hour stint.

Glenn – the 267-game veteran – has become a mentor for young Riki ahead of the 2021 season.

“He’s one of those players I’ve tucked under the wing because he plays in the same position and I want to give him advice I wish I got when I was his age,” he said.

“I see a lot of my younger self in him.

Jordan Riki has impressed with his fitness. Picture: Peter Wallis

“It’s just trying to be that mentor for him, because I do see a bit of him in me in the way he plays.

“Those couple of games he played last year are going to help him grow as a player in first grade.

“The way he has been training and performing has been up at another level.

“He’s in great shape and a very fit boy.”

The Broncos’ season kicks off on March 12 when they host Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium before they face Fifita’s Titans in round two on the Gold Coast.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Jordan Riki eyes David Fifita’s starting spot at Broncos