Riley Brown primed for Roosters debut

A grand final win is something that former Knight Riley Brown is hopeful for in the future, but for the time being the young utility is focused on a positive start to the season, earning a run on spot for the Roosters at hooker. Walking away from the Newcastle Knights last season after the Brian Smith clean-out, Brown is now man ready to start again.

The 23-year-old Queenslander has impressed his coach, Brad Fittler in pre-season training and shown form in the trial matches strong enough to earn him a spot in the starting team for Friday night’s NRL season opener against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Brown came to the Roosters from Newcastle to fill the gap left following the departure of Craig Wing and Heath L’Estrange from the club, and Fittler could not be happier with the hooker’s attitude.

“Riley was one of the only players not to miss a session in pre-season,” Fittler said. “He’s in the starting team because he’s got the spot and once you’ve got the spot people have to get it off you.”

“He’s a pleasure to coach, he comes with the same attitude every day. He’s unassuming and just goes about his business, and it was this attitude that has got him a jumper for the first game.”

“He gets to play hooker and he’s done a fair bit of work over the pre-season so we’ll see how he goes,” he said.

Brown is pleased to be in the run-on side for his debut game for his new club and is especially excited to be playing in the local derby.

“I’m absolutely pumped for it,” Brown said. “Friday’s game against the Rabbitohs is a big match and one I’m looking forward to.”

“I trained hard in pre-season and it’s obviously paid off. I try hard all the time so it’s good to get in the team,” he said.

“I’m not nervous yet but I’m sure as kick-off gets closer it’ll start to kick in.”