Broncos forwards Tom Flegler and Jordan Riki have been embroiled in a Mad Monday bust-up in a fiery postscript to Brisbane’s disappointing season.
News Corp can reveal Broncos bosses have read the riot act to the rookie duo following revelations Riki and Flegler clashed as Brisbane’s post-season celebrations turned sour.
The flashpoint occurred in the aftermath of Brisbane’s 35-22 final round defeat of Newcastle last Saturday week.
It is understood a playful wrestling session between the pair took a wrong turn when Flegler took exception to skylarking from Riki as tempers flared.
Sources say Riki was left bloodied and required stitches.
Broncos hierarchy declined to comment this morning but confirmed Flegler and Riki were involved in a post-season incident.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters, CEO Dave Donaghy and head-of-football Ben Ikin are aware of the matter and have addressed Flegler and Riki on the cultural standards expected as Brisbane look to hit back as a finals contender next season.
Riki was not seen at Brisbane’s annual awards night last Thursday night after undergoing end-of-season surgery on his shoulder.
According to Broncos sources, Flegler spoke to Riki the day after their heated clash and personally apologised to the rising Brisbane back-rower.
Walters has vowed to bring unity to the Broncos and the Brisbane coach can ill-afford fractured relationships between his players as he attempts to haul the NRL’s richest club out of the cellar after their 14th-placing this season.
It has been a bittersweet season for Flegler, who started the 2021 campaign in mediocre form, but turned the corner after his shock Origin debut for injury-ravaged Queensland in Game Three.
Flegler’s strong end-of-season form was tarnished by two on-field incidents that led to dual suspensions, prompting Walters to tell the firebrand prop to control his discipline or risk further time on the sidelines.
It is understood the pair will not be sanctioned by the Broncos, who are confident the matter has been resolved and will lead to no lingering ill-feeling between Flegler and Riki.
The Flegler-Riki drama comes almost two years after former Broncos prop Matt Lodge clashed with Jack Bird in December 2019 after another Brisbane bonding session gone wrong.
