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Redemption Riki: Bronco a 'deer in headlights' no more
Joel Gould, AAP • September 30th, 2025 8:26 am
Broncos forward Jordan Riki has fond memories from a 26-0 win over Melbourne in the 2023 finals | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Brisbane Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki talks about his desire for redemption for the 2023 grand final loss with more passion than most.
Most Broncos will speak of it, but Riki is forthright and digs deep into his feelings about that heartbreaking 26-24 defeat to Penrith, the lessons learned and why he's ready to atone against Melbourne on Sunday.
The 25-year-old played one of the best, if not the best, games of his career in the 16-14 comeback preliminary final win over the Panthers on Sunday.
His 48 tackles, including two crucial defensive plays to stop Nathan Cleary from scoring in the second half, plus his trademark kick-chase game, were on-song. It was the big moments he won that were the key.
Jordan Riki was crushed by the 2023 grand final loss to Penrith and is after redemption this year | Photo: James Gourley/AAP
Making up for the 2023 loss, where he was below his best, was on his mind.
"Oh yeah. Absolutely, hands down," Riki said.
"It was probably on a lot of us players' minds throughout the week. It was definitely on my mind.
"I had a few chats with Madge. 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.
"All we can say is that we've been there, we've done that and we know what it's like. We took a lot of lessons from that 2023 year and obviously it's also not done. We've got one more game."
Riki admits that he "probably took that 2023 year for granted" and it caught up with him in the decider.
"A lot of us boys that were in that team were deers in headlights really. We didn't really know what was going on," he said.
"The whole outside noise of media, fans and obviously the grand final parade ... everything was a massive blur and you weren't really focusing on the game.
"Now we know that the games are most important. Obviously it's good to enjoy that week and soak it in with the fans. But at the end of the day, we have got to knuckle down and get that win."
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Riki's tackles on Cleary last Sunday showed total attention to his defensive role.
"I'd probably have clocked off a couple of years ago and not only myself, but a few of the other boys as well," he said.
"Madge has really nailed up into us about concentrating for the full 80 minutes.
"Concentration's massively important for us. We were a young team a couple of years ago and we've just evolved and turned into such a good team.
"I can just commend the coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes that have helped us get here."
Riki had a wonderful match in the 26-0 qualifying final win over Melbourne in 2023. Another display like that would be just the tonic.
"They are such quality team," he said.
"We've had many great battles along the years. They're such a great club, great organisation and got great players as well.
"They're very experienced. It'll be a good game. I'm just excited to be able to enjoy this week with my club and my players and just go out there on grand final day."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of the NRL Grand Final, thanks to SEN, from 8pm Sunday.
