LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Brisbane second-rower Jordan Riki expresses an intense desire for redemption following the team's heart-wrenching 2023 grand final loss.
While many Broncos players may share similar sentiments, Riki is particularly open about his feelings regarding the 26-24 defeat to Penrith. He reflects on the valuable lessons learned from that experience and explains why he is determined to seek atonement in the upcoming match against Melbourne.
At 25 years old, Riki delivered one of the standout performances of his career during the preliminary final against the Panthers, where the Broncos staged a remarkable 16-14 comeback victory. His contribution included an impressive 48 tackles and two pivotal defensive stops on Nathan Cleary in the second half, showcasing his exceptional kick-and-chase ability. It was these crucial moments that defined his performance.
Riki's motivation to rectify the disappointment of the 2023 grand final, where he felt he did not perform at his best, was ever-present in his mind.
"Oh yeah. Absolutely, hands down," Riki stated. "It was probably on a lot of us players' minds throughout the week. It was definitely on my mind." He added, "I had a few chats with Madge (coach Michael Maguire). Myself and a lot of other boys … kept saying 'redemption' throughout this whole week. To tick that box and obviously move on to the grand final is going to be awesome."