Backrower Jordan Riki will make his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the Raiders in Canberra on Saturday night.
Riki, a former Junior Kiwis Captain, was impressive for the Maori All Stars earlier this year after being a surprise call-up for the 30-16 win over the Indigenous All Stars.
The 20-year-old from Christchurch is a physical and strong ball runner, with an offload and footwork. Riki started as a Hornby Panthers junior and a star player for St Thomas of Canterbury with a long list of NZRL honors including 2016 NZ 16s Player of the Year. Brisbane Broncos eventually signed Riki after immense competition in recruiting him after finishing school in 2017, Riki played a game of Intrust Super Cup for Norths Devils in 2018 before playing 15 games in 2019. Riki started at lock for the Devils in their only game this year, after an unexpected call up to the Aotearoa Maori team.
Riki joins Daejan Asi, Emry Pere, Asu Kepaoa, Connelly Lemuelu, Eliesa Katoa, Jaxson Paulo and Jackson Ferris as New Zealand NRL debutants this season.
Jordan Riki gets the call up to make his debut in #NRLRaidersBroncos – see our full side thanks to @ladbrokescomau https://t.co/4OZ0v6ez1o pic.twitter.com/bZRAeZGbuw— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) August 11, 2020
Jordan Riki gets the call up to make his debut in #NRLRaidersBroncos – see our full side thanks to @ladbrokescomau https://t.co/4OZ0v6ez1o pic.twitter.com/bZRAeZGbuw