Tyro Riley feels mentally ready for his Test baptism
SAM Riley arrived back at The Stoop in midweek from his England training sessions insisting: “I’ll be ready for the big step up when it comes.”
The young hooker enjoyed rubbing shoulders with the country’s leading talent and taking words of advice from head coach Eddie Jones, himself a former hooker.
Riley, 20, would love to be involved in the Autumn Tests. “There is an intensity change when you go from training with Quins to the England setup,” he said. “You have the best players in the country and everyone is training at maximum intensity.
“Everyone is quicker and stronger and have better skill sets so you really test yourself physically and mentally.
“It was nice to find out how they do things and leach off them. I’m still a bit gob-smacked that I got the chance but the whole environment makes you want to get better.”
Riley added: “Eddie’s main points to me were keep working on your throwing because that’s what is really going to get you picked. You are never going to play club or international rugby if your set-piece isn’t strong.
“I have to be pushing to get into the Quins jersey first and, hopefully, the rest of it will take care of itself. Playing for the England senior team would be a big step up for me but I’m definitely ready for it mentally.
“I will keep prepping myself and working on what I can so that if I get the opportunity I can take it.
Riley was joined in camp by Quins mates Louis Lynagh, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant, Alex Dombrandt, Jack Kenningham and Joe Marler as Jones looks to foster the club’s success.
“It was good to have a decent size Quins contingent in the squad,” Riley said. “We were the best team in the Premiership last year and Eddie and the other coaches want to tap into the potential there is here. They are freakishly good players who helped the club win the final at Twickenham, and all deserve their recognition with England.”
Riley has been a second half replacement in both Quins victories against Newcastle and Worcester, with the Londoners starting their title defence in positive fashion.
They host Bristol on Friday night – a repeat of the play-off semi-final which they snatched at the death in sensational style.
Riley added: “It’s great to wear the No.16 shirt but I will be pushing for the No.2 one as much as I can. Jack (Walker) is a great player and I am learning a lot off him. We are all challenging each other to get better.”