Jordan Riki: Leaving Home at 17 & Staying on Track to the NRL

Jordan Riki was born in Raglan, New Zealand, and raised in a strong Māori culture surrounded by leadership and guidance. At just 17, he made the big move to Australia to chase his NRL dream — but without his support system, the journey nearly slipped away. In this episode, Jordan opens up about the tough moments early on, how the Broncos’ mentoring program helped him stay focused, and how it felt to finally crack the top grade. We also dive into the emotional toll of social media — how the things people say online really do have an effect, and how he’s learned to handle the pressure that comes with being in the spotlight. We talk about his upbringing, the lessons that keep him grounded, what helps him feel and perform at his best, and how he continues to grow on and off the field. Connect with Jordan and follow him on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanriki/ About David Mead: David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation. Connect with David and follow him on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mead.94 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmead411/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidmead411 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mead-7604b986/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmead411?lang=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidmeadpodcast