Social media abuse in sport, special investigation: Broncos star Jordan Riki breaks silence on trauma

The vitriol earlier in Jordan Riki’s career left him struggling mentally. After a torrid couple of years he’s bravely shared his story and coping mechanisms in the hope of helping others.

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Jordan Riki has broken his silence on his social media torment, revealing the trauma of savage online attacks made him mentally stronger with the help from senior Broncos leaders who openly discuss their own experiences to help teammates deal with the torrent of abuse.

It’s been almost two years since Riki was slammed as a “soft-hearted c***” following a loss to Newcastle that triggered an NRL integrity unit investigation into social media abuse of rugby league’s biggest stars.

Riki told the Code Sports Investigation that he has had to “grow a thicker skin” to handle the scrutiny of life as a NRL footballer, knowing every game his Instagram account with almost 100,000 followers could attract commentary from fans both positive and negative.

While he is better equipped now to handle the feedback, the vitriol earlier in his career not only hurt but left him struggling mentally.

“It was really hard to deal with,” he said.

“I have no shame in saying that I am a pretty sensitive guy and I wear my heart on my sleeve, I have never been ashamed of that.

Jordan Riki on his trip with Liam Hampson

Riki and Liam Hampson

“At the time, it did sting me, but this being my third year in the NRL now I have learnt to grow a thicker skin.”

Riki became a target to trolls again when he was at his most vulnerable following the tragic death of his best mate Liam Hampson while they travelled Europe together in the off-season in 2022.

Hampson disappeared on a night out with his friends in Barcelona before being found dead more than 30 hours after he vanished.

While the vast majority of messages Riki and his mates AJ Brimson and Jesse Arthars received were compassionate and supportive, they were also targeted by trolls leaving tasteless taunts.

Part of Riki’s coping mechanism has been talking openly about the comments with senior teammates like captain Adam Reynolds and Test star Pat Carrigan, who revealed they too face a deluge of criticism.

But it is that open dialogue within the four walls at Red Hill that is helping all the players navigate the social media minefield when the outside world is baying for their blood after a shock loss or poor individual performance.

“I don’t care so much anymore about what the other outside noise and all the critics are saying. I have definitely had to get used to it,” Riki said.

Adam Reynolds has played a key role in helping Riki

“Talking to the other boys at the Broncos, the leadership boys like Reyno and Carrigan, they even cop it.

“You can’t please everyone unfortunately and while it shouldn’t happen, it does happen, so I focus on the positives more than the negatives. If I cop abuse now, it’s how I process it and deal with it.”

The Broncos were so concerned about the way fans interact with the club and players post-game, they issued a statement before round one appealing for supporters to “keep it real and keep it respectful”.

Like all NRL clubs, Brisbane’s social media pages are filled with supporter comments during and after games but the Broncos told fans to remember that players are people with families and to be mindful of that when posting emotive post-game comments.

“Social media is a fantastic place to show that passion; through the wins and the losses, the highs and the lows,” the Broncos wrote to supporters.

“We encourage you to express yourself and support your team and players. But we also ask you to remmeber that our players and coaches are real people with families and loved ones.

“What you post has an impact, so take that responsibility seriously and don’t step over the line.”

Originally published as Social media abuse in sport, special investigation: Broncos star Jordan Riki breaks silence on trauma