Dialled in and focused before what could have been 'banana skin' game for the Broncos, forward Jordan Riki put in a player of the match performance against Wests Tigers to ensure his 50th NRL game was a memorable one.
With friends, family and some aspiring Black Ferns watching on, Riki put on a show by scoring two impressive tries, running for 68 metres including a line break and two tackle breaks.
"I got my mum and dad from New Zealand and obviously some close family friends as well, they came over from New Zealand, and a few of the girls there, they're New Zealand (Black) Fern girls ... they're over here playing, they played last night before the Reds and the Crusaders (Super Rugby) game," Riki said.
"It was awesome to have them there and support me ... Christchurch is a very rugby-dominated area, but there are a few leaguies and they love rugby league, as do I, so it's cool to have them here."
Step, pace and power from Riki
Speaking before the match, Riki reiterated the importance of being fully focused on the game - despite it being played between the top-of-the-table Broncos and winless Tigers - saying his side could not afford a slip-up.
Taking those words on board, the Māori All Stars representative, whose iwi is Tainui, received praise from his coach Kevin Walters, who was happy to see his efforts in pre-season and during training rewarded.
“He’s really developed, he is still only 23 Jordy, (and) 50 games in, there’s been a steady progression from him, particularly with his effort areas," Walters said in the post-match press conference following the 46-12 win.
"Tonight, he picked up two tries, just being on-the-ball, just being smart about that. He’s been a good one for us, and will continue I believe to get even better.
“(He is playing tougher) – they all are, (and) again it’s just a learning thing … his period through the club (has seen) some tough years and tough yards, so I am sure that makes you grow up pretty quickly.
"It was nice to see him and his family there tonight to enjoy his 50th game, picked up two tries, and again he was a really strong player for us.”
Taking the time to soak in the win, Riki said as well as the support on the ground, he had added motivation to play well after dedicating his performance to his mate Liam Hampson, who passed away last year.
Riki gets his second
"I said earlier in the week I wanted to dedicate this this game to Liam as well," Riki said.
"It's just a really tough time for me and the boys and obviously his family as well. So that game and those tries, definitely, go out to Liam and his beautiful family as well.
"I love those guys very much and I hold them very dearly to my heart. I know Liam was watching me tonight and probably gave me those tries, so thank you ... It was like he had my back, he had my back twice, actually.
"He was just such an awesome fella and such a beautiful person to have around and his foundation (Hampo's Youth Foundation) too. That's up and running, and I'm definitely a proud ambassador for that. And I'll do as much as I can and help those guys."
This weekend, Brisbane are again at home at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. After winning their opening five games for the first time since the premiership-winning side of 1998, this year's Broncos will be aiming to continue their perfect start to the season against the Canberra Raiders.
