The Brisbane Broncos are resigned to losing New Zealand Test forward Jordan Riki at the end of the 2027 NRL season, with the Melbourne Storm and the Warriors both keen on the edge forward, according to reports.
Riki is contracted to Brisbane until the end of 2027, and a News Corp report said the club is unwilling to get into a bidding war for his signature, Zero Tackle reported.
The 26-year-old’s market value is expected to be pushed too high for the Broncos by the Storm and the Warriors, according to the report. Riki has played 135 NRL games, all for Brisbane, and has played a Test for New Zealand.
Storm and Warriors circle
The Broncos have added Shawn Blore to their salary cap for 2027, and Zero Tackle said Riki’s next move would take him either south to Melbourne or across the Tasman.
Melbourne, which loses Blore, has signed Oryn Keeley, but uncertainty over the future of Eliesa Katoa means the Storm could need more second-row depth heading into 2028, according to Zero Tackle.
The Warriors are looking for a replacement for Kurt Capewell in their second row, although the report said salary cap space is tight with 21 players already signed for 2028.
Read more: Cooper Bai Commits to Melbourne Storm From 2028
Earlier reports had suggested Riki could look to leave Brisbane before 2027 because of differences with coach Michael Maguire, but Zero Tackle said that move has since been deemed unlikely.
Players off contract at the end of 2027 have been free to negotiate with rival clubs since 1 November.
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