Proud Dolphin Price racks up game 50 in Hostplus Cup
Redcliffe’s Round 11 clash with the Brisbane Tigers will mark a significant milestone for in-form prop Riley Price, as he notches up 50 Hostplus Cup games.
And it’s fitting that the former North Queensland Cowboy gets to celebrate this moment in the Queensland Rugby League’s premier competition, after returning to the Sunshine State this year in a bid to be closer to his support systems and to get back to his best footy.
Price – who has played three NRL games across stints with the Cowboys and Penrith Panthers – came to Redcliffe this year to both be closer to his Sunshine Coast-based family and to reunite with his former under 20s coach Dave Elliott.
His partner has also relocated from Townsville to be with him.
And with these connections in place, the 24-year-old has been one of the most consistent within the Dolphins squad, building back from a few tough years in New South Wales.
“Obviously the last couple of years have been challenging, coming off ACL and shoulder reconstructions, and getting myself mentally and physically back into a place where I am comfortable and happy playing football again,” he said.
“It’s not easy coming back from those injuries, but coming back to Cup and being coached by Dave and being at Redcliffe, the club has instilled that enjoyment for playing footy again.
“For me personally, being back living on the Sunny Coast, being back around the family and my partner, having them around me and supporting me has been so good.
“Then being given the opportunity to pull the Dolphins jersey on… everyone has been so welcoming. Dave has been awesome for me this year.
“Dave’s done a lot of work with us and has been bringing club legends in and instilling pride in the jersey.”
Price made his Hostplus Cup debut with Townsville in 2021 against the Norths Devils and played 40 games for the Blackhawks.
In 2024 he signed with Penrith and started the year in NSW Cup, but spent nine months on the sideline with season-ending ACL and shoulder injuries.
He returned to the field in 2025 through NSW Cup again, before getting in one NRL appearance.
Through all the ups and downs over the past five years, Price said it is his family that have remained his biggest supporters, including his dad, Steve Price, and uncle, Brent Tate, who both played the game at the highest level.
“When I was up in Townsville, I was living with my uncle (Tate) when I first moved up there,” Price said.
“He’s had his fair share of injuries and being able to chat to him about things like that, I’m lucky to have an uncle that’s played at the highest level and a dad who has played at the highest level. It helps a lot being able to communicate with them, get their advice.
“My sisters and my mum bring another perspective around things as well.
“Outside of my family, Dave had one of the biggest influences on me when I first moved up to Townville. He was my under-20s coach and being an 18-year-old moving out of home, he made Townsville feel like home for me.
“Evidently it gave me enough confidence to take the next step into training with first grade and playing Cup. They’re the biggest ones. Also, my partner Shani, she moved to the Sunshine Coast at the start of this year and has been a rock for me.”
Sitting just shy of his 25th birthday, Price has plenty of footy and milestones ahead of him.
His biggest long-term goal is to one day return to an NRL environment. But for now, he just wants to repay the Dolphins for the fresh start they have given him with a 2026 premiership.
“The biggest (goal) is to bring a premiership to Redcliffe this year,” he said.
“I certainly have the confidence in the boys around me that we’re capable of doing it. As a team, that’s the biggest one for me.
“Personally, it’s just about turning up every week and being the consistent and reliable player that I know I can be… and continue to stay injury-free.
“That will give me the best opportunity to get to where I want to be. I will continue to chase personal growth on and off the field as well. That’s ultimately my goal.
“Reaching 50 games… it’s definitely a really cool achievement. Being able to play one Cup game is special in itself, but 50 – I never take those milestones lightly.
“Hopefully I can stack more up and see where it goes.”
Watch the Redcliffe Dolphins and Price in their Round 11 clash against the Brisbane Tigers today – Saturday 30 May – from 3pm, via Qplus.tv.