Shannon Rioli in action for NT Thunder

Captain Rioli returns for big game against the Suns

02.05.19 18:27

NT Thunder welcomes co-captain Shannon Rioli for his first game in 2019 as the team looks to make it two wins on Saturday night in Darwin when they come up against the Gold Coast Suns.

Rioli, who has been sidelined with a back injury, completed a full week of training and is one of four changes to the Thunder side that defeated Redland in a hard-fought game last weekend.

Phillip Wills and Sam Dyke have also passed their fitness tests so far and are clear to play, while Dean Staunton has returned after his NZ representative duties.

Missing from action will be Kieren Parnell, who came off the field in the first five minutes of the game against Redland with some swelling around his left knee, and Ross Tungatalum, whose right ankle was on ice for the last quarter of Saturday’s game.

Also going out of the team is Dylan Barry, who has a friend’s wedding in Alice Springs, and Michael Bowden, who was a late inclusion for Wills in Brisbane.

NT Thunder Head Coach Darren Reeves said his side would be looking to pick back up from where they left off.

“We got a taste for victory last week and are keen to emulate the same success in front of our home crowd on Saturday night.

“It’s surprising the Suns haven’t won a game yet because they’re a very talented list so we won’t be taking them lightly.

“It’s going to take the same dedication and buy-in from all 23 guys to play consistent football and to make sure we’re applying pressure regardless of if the ball is in hand or not.”

As for his returning captain, Reeves said he was looking forward to seeing Rioli represent the NT.

“I enjoyed watching Shan play NTFL with St Mary’s; he’s an extremely talented player who knows what it takes to win games.

“I know he’s just as passionate about Thunder and will run out there with the full backing of Abe (co-captain Abraham Ankers) and the rest of the playing group.”

NEAFL Round 5

NT Thunder vs Gold Coast Suns
6:30pm, Saturday 4 May
TIO Stadium, Darwin

B: Josiah Farrer, Sam Dyke, Braedon McLean
HB: Joe Anderson, David Johnston, Clinton Gallio
C: Brodie Carroll, Jacob Templeton, Ben Taylor*
HF: Abraham Ankers (c), Kieran Delahunty, Hugo Drogemuller
F: Adam Tipungwuti, Trent Melville, Shannon Rioli (c)

FOLL: Jack Hannath, Dylan McLachlan, Ben Rioli
INT: Phillip Wills, Dean Staunton, Nick Yarran, Tylah Saunders, Jess Budarick

EMERGENCIES: Jack Monigatti, Daniel Weetra, Chris Williams

IN: Sam Dyke, Shannon Rioli, Dean Staunton, Phillip Wills
OUT: Dylan Barry (unavailable), Michael Bowden (omitted), Kieran Parnell (knee), Ross Tungatalum (ankle)

* Indicates 23rd player

If you can’t attend the game then thanks to Tatts, you can live stream it on ThunderVision with commentary, replays and plenty of cameras right here.