With a week to go until he makes his premier league return Shannon Rioli hopes to see his Saints fire against Tiwi Bombers

ALTHOUGH he’s a former Territory Thunder captain Shannon Rioli knows he has to put in the work to make his premiership return with his return to full fitness expected in the next two weeks.

Saints star Shaun Edwards will be expected to fire against Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Che Chorley

ALTHOUGH he’s a former Territory Thunder captain, Shannon Rioli knows he has to put in the work to make his premiership return with his return to full fitness expected in the next two weeks.

The star has not yet played a Premier League game this season, but has been impressed with the depth of his squad, who he is excited to see take on Tiwi Bombers at TIO Stadium today.

MORE NT SPORT NEWS

Janet Baird enjoying life at the Gold Coast Suns

2020 NT Sports Awards to celebrate Territory athletes

Division 2 Walk-off coach’s tribunal verdict

“Early on you could see we were trying to figure each other out getting our connections and chemistry,” Rioli told the NT News, his side with a 4-3 record.

“It’s been up and down so far. We had a great win over Nightcliff but it hurt to watch that game against Buffaloes considering the history between our sides.

“I’m playing in Div 1 again this week but in conversations with Chopper (coach Anthony Vallejo) we’re looking at my return next week.

“Played against Tahs last week in a nice and hot game. It was a good test to see if I could return and shows the other boys that no matter your name you still have to put in the work to return.”

Tiwi is raring for a win having gone seven games without, but a close one-goal loss to Southern Districts last week will have it believing.

Dion Munkara, Ross Tungatalum, Harley Puruntatameri, and Austin Wonaeamirri can make magic out of nothing

However, Rioli has been impressed with a number of his Saints particularly the Landt brothers Dylan and Jack, with both bringing aggression and mongrel which Saints have lacked.

Jacob Long, Jackson Paine, Nate Paredes, Harry Williams and Shaun Edwards are others in the squad full of depth across the field who have impressed the captain.

“For the past ten years the key to beating Tiwi has been to stop their run and carry as they can kick three to ten goals in a quarter if you let them,” Rioli said.

“We have to make it an arm wrestle rather than an open game. If you try to play them in a shootout they will beat you every time.

“They rely more on their speed and skill and are starting to play good footy. This is a real danger game for us as they really build themselves up when they play us.

“We just have to limit their time in space and limit our turnovers. Control the game and take our shots when we can taking away their confidence.”

And on the question of cousin Cyril playing for Tiwi, Rioli mentioned that although the four-time AFL premiership winning former Hawthorn star had been in training, he did not know if that was with the intention of playing.

“Not too sure as I haven’t much chance to talk to Cyril recently,” Rioli said.

“I know he’s been training quite a bit with them and whether that’s to play or just for himself I don’t know.

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1

“I’d be keen as anything to see him play as it would be a big boost for Tiwi and for footy fans up here.

“But I know he doesn’t want that fanfare that comes with playing so he may play on the island.”