Not yet 20, Riley made his first team debut in 2019 against St Helens after some fine performances at Academy level. He was called up again last September to face Salford scoring a first half try in a heroic display by what was the most inexperienced line-up in our history – the result of having to fit in so many games after the four and a half months of inaction caused by Covid-19. The six-footer will gain more valuable experience playing on loan this season with York City Knights in the Championship. He is also expected to figure in the World Cup tournament in the autumn having been included in the provisional Ireland Wolfhounds squad last year. Riley was named captain of the Academy side but their season had to be abandoned because of the pandemic. Riley attended Brooksbank School in Elland and was a member of their rugby team that won the national boys year 11 title in 2017 and he has also played for the Siddal club in Halifax.