Kiwi Brisbane Broncos star Jordan Riki knows all too well the sacrifice NZ Warriors made during their seasons in exile across the Tasman during the pandemic.
Brisbane has been Riki's home since 2020, when the Māori All Stars representative faced the challenge of being separated from his family back home in New Zealand.
"There was about two-and-a-half years I didn't see my family," Riki told Newshub. "That was tough for me."
That situation is now well behind him, with his family flying in from as far abroad as Qatar capital Doha to catch him in action against the Warriors in Saturday's NRL preliminary final.
"My aunty came on a 14-hour flight, so that’s awesome. She hasn't experienced me playing NRL yet."
Riki will be up against the club he idolised as a youngster growing up in Christchurch and his mates are letting him know about it.
"I'm a proud Kiwi," he said. "Growing up, I loved the 'Wahs', but obviously I play for the Broncos. I'm nervous to play against my childhood team.
"My friends back home have texting me, giving me a bit of banter."
Second-rower Riki has been a critical piece of the impressive Broncos pack, which are sure to be pushed to their limit against their powerful Warriors opposites.
Join Newshub at 9:30pm Saturday for live updates of the Warriors v Broncos NRL playoff clash
