One word that often goes hand-in-hand with rugby league is toughness.
But rarely is the word toughness spoken about in terms of the journey to the top grade.
For every 18-year-old Reece Walsh or Joseph Suaali’i that comes into the NRL and sets the game on fire, there are plenty more that have to toil away in lower grades, biding their time before finally getting a shot.
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Falling in the latter group is 26-year-old Panthers debutant Preston Riki, who has been selected off the bench to play against the Dragons on Saturday night.
The 195cm, 106kg second rower has represented the Maori All-Stars in 2023, as well as playing reserve grade across the Warriors, Redcliffe and Panthers in recent seasons.
But he’s set to finally crack the top grade with five Panthers representing NSW in State of Origin, while Matt Eisenhuth will miss this week’s match after a head knock.
And in a sign of just how much it meant to him, Riki broke down when telling his grandmother he’d finally be an NRL player.
Watch the video above.
After some small talk, Riki said: “I’ve got some news … I’m gonna be making my debut this week,” as his voice cracked.
His grandmother replied: “Against who?”
After composing himself, he forced out: “Dragons”.
“What’s the matter?” his grandmother asked.
“Just keen aye,” Riki replied.
“So I’m playing in the main team this week.”
And if you weren’t crying yet, his grandmother pushed it over the top.
“Oh lovely, I’m so proud of you,” she said.
Riki couldn’t hold it together, saying through tears: “Thank you. I thought I’d call you and let you know.”
“Oh Preston, that’s awesome news,” his grandmother said.
As he wiped tears away he said: “I’ve just been waiting long time. You have to try and watch.”
Nanna was also cheering when he told her he called her before his mum.
It’s the type of video that gets even the most hardened footy fan get a frog in their throat, but for Riki, it has been a long time coming.
Originally from New Zealand, Riki moved to Penrith in 2022 on a development deal.
After working hard in reserve grade over the past two years, Riki was rewarded with a contract upgrade to the Panthers’ top 30 squad for 2024 and an extension to the end of the 2025 season.
Riki won’t be alone in his debut with 24-year-old half Trent Toelau, who will also come off the bench against the Dragons.
Earlier in the week, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary told the player’s teammates the pair would be making their debut with the players going nuts.
The Panthers have been hit hard by the State of Origin period but come into the period on the back of a 42-0 trouncing of the Cronulla Sharks.
The three-time defending premiers are coming into the Origin period in second on the ladder, equal on points with the third placed Melbourne Storm.
Cleary said it was a challenge to have so many players out during Origin.
“But it’s one we’ve faced before,” he added.
“It puts your systems and culture under the microscope I guess and all we can worry about is how we play.”