IT'S FAR FROM THE LIFE OF RILEY AS DYLAN STEPS UP
rhys.oneill@news.com.au of the four-team competition, Riley is quickly learning all about the rough and tumble of rugby at the next level.
The Queensland Reds under-20 centre was thrown on to the wing during the 43-20 win over Samoa last Friday, though the rapid-fire learning curve is delivering new-found belief.
“These sort of things (tournaments) get you going,” he said.
“The opportunity is awesome and it’s good to be tested as a utility a bit more.
“As a team we thought there were a few things we needed to work on (after the Samoa win).
“And a massive thing that (coach) Simon Cron has instilled in us is to be selfmotivated and do as much stuff as you can on your own.
“That sort of stuff helps in the short comps like this.”
One familiarity for Riley is the event’s venue, a Bond University field he’s called home in recent seasons.
“Sometimes it’s hard when you go to different grounds so it helps if you know the ground,” he said.
Riley, joined in the Australian team by fellow Bond University player Harry Nucifora, hopes to gain selection in the national squad for the Under-20 World Cup, to be played in Georgia in June.
Today’s game will be live streamed at rugby.com.au and ground entry is free.