Powerful winger Ricco Falaniko has earned a pre-season trial with the North Queensland Cowboys after his stint with the Brisbane Tigers in the 2024 QLD Cup competition.
Read: Greenslopes Residents Face Bus Route Overhaul in Brisbane’s Public Transport Shake-Up
Rugby union background
Standing at 195 centimetres, the 24-year-old outside back began his rugby career in New Zealand’s Taranaki region as a rugby union player. His successful transition to rugby league has showcased a natural athletic ability required to thrive in the thirteen-man code.
Falaniko established himself as a consistent performer with the Ipswich Jets across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, demonstrating his try-scoring prowess with 17 tries in 32 appearances—maintaining an impressive strike rate of better than one try every two games.
Ricco Falaniko with the Brisbane Tigers
The powerful winger’s progression continued with the Brisbane Tigers, where he made an immediate impact with six tries in just four appearances. Falaniko’s development was evident as his try-scoring tally increased with each full game, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick in his final full-length match. His statistical impact was equally impressive, averaging 143 running metres per game while recording ten tackle busts and six line breaks.
Read: First Look: Brisbane Releases Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct Plans
The Cowboys’ pre-season invitation, as Zero Tackle reveals, provides Falaniko with an opportunity to train in an NRL environment and further develop his game. Following this opportunity, he will join the Northern Pride for their 2025 campaign, where he aims to continue his impressive trajectory.
Published 09-November-2024