Brisbane Broncos star Jordan Riki plots to make life a nightmare for New Zealand Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki

“We all came in on Monday and had a huge discussion. Honestly, it hurt me a little bit last week not being able to be out there with the boys,” he said.

“The game last week stung me a lot, and in the sheds as well, there were a lot of heads down and boys upset. I can only go out there and do the best I can and not let the outside noise get to me.”

After being outmuscled by the Roosters, Riki is determined to provide that aggression, having hit career-best form before his suspension with 111 running metres and 3.5 tackle busts per game.

But the side will need fellow edge forward Jaiyden Hunt to follow that lead.

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Hunt will have the chance to make himself a staple of Maguire’s pack in Gosiewski’s absence, given the first-year mentor’s defence-first attitude.

Piakura, while the more lethal attacking threat with a hitman mentality off the ball, has shown some deficiencies, finishing seventh among second rowers last year for missed tackles, while missing four in his first start of the season against the Tigers.

Hunt, off contract at season’s end, revealed he was yet to launch extension negotiations with the club, but was adamant he had the ability to contend for a regular starting spot.

“I grew up here, I’m from Brisbane and all my family is here, so I’d love to stay here. But I haven’t started any negotiations, I haven’t really worried about that,” Hunt said.

“I’ve just started my second week playing NRL this week, so it’s just about working hard and staying in the team. If Madge likes what he sees, we’ll go from there.”

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