Unheralded strength and ‘poor Tristan Sailor’ key to Broncos’ title tilt

Even with his side on the brink of a drought-breaking premiership, Jordan Riki is far from satisfied.

However, it has been his unheralded skill set which has helped pave the way for the Broncos’ dominance in the middle of the field, and could in turn make or break their title ambitions.

The Kiwi forward is yet to announce himself as a palpable edge runner (78 running metres a game) in the same manner as Penrith’s Liam Martin (101 metres) or Newcastle’s Tyson Frizell (111 metres).

But while the Brisbane middles of Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Thomas Flegler have marched down the field, it has been Riki’s efforts off the ball which have laid that foundation.

“For me personally I feel like I could probably get my hands on the ball a bit more,” Riki admits.

“I’m very happy with trying to find little spots where I can help the team out, and one of those was kick chase.

“If I can get down there as fast as I can and turn the ball over or keep them in their own 10 or drag them into the tryline it helps our middles out.”

Riki has regularly been the man to lead the charge once halfback Adam Reynolds puts the ball in the air.

And given the calibre of fullbacks who may stand before him, it is a trait the 23-year-old will need to keep bringing in spades.

Brisbane is on a grand-final collision course with the Panthers, provided they can triumph in their forthcoming preliminary final against either Newcastle or New Zealand.

Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards leads the competition for kick-return metres, averaging 72.4 metres a game.

Newcastle, however, have proven lethal from long range. In their 30-28 win over Canberra in Sunday’s elimination final, they were tackled inside their rivals’ 20 metres line just six times.

Shutting down the fullback threats will be crucial if the Broncos are to thwart the attacking raids potentially headed their way, and Riki showcased those fruits in keeping Storm custodian Nick Meaney to just 30 metres off kick returns last week in Brisbane’s 26-0 demolition job. 

On the back of that, Melbourne ran for nearly 300 metres less than Brisbane, despite an almost even share of possession.

Riki said it was a frank conversation with Brisbane veteran Kurt Capewell that triggered his growth in that area. That, and a willing teammate eager to take the brunt of his hits.

“At the start of the season I actually sat down with Capes, and we had a look at last year and where we were missing things,” Riki said.

“I went out there in preseason, and poor Tristan Sailor was definitely copping it. I was trying to hit him as hard as I could in the kick chase.

“Sometimes he’s got in my head a few times, and he just really brought it forward and wants me to hit him and try to hurt him.

“[But] I’m not fully satisfied, I feel like I still have a lot more to improve.”

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