Mark Riddell

Mark Robert Riddell (born 9 December 1981 in Sydney, New South Wales) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 2000s and 2010s. A City New South Wales representative goal-kicking hooker, he played in Australasia's National Rugby League (NRL) for the St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters and in Europe's Super League with the Wigan Warriors. While in his last season at the St George Illawarra club, Riddell was called up for his first representative honour playing for the City team in the annual City vs Country Origin clash and also set the club record for highest-ever point scorer. After moving to the Eels the following year he was again called up to the City side. Riddell moved to Wigan in 2009 and went on to win the 2010 Super League Grand Final with them.

Childhood and early career

Riddell began playing rugby league at the age of four for his local Panania side St Christopher’s in the Canterbury competition where his talent was noticed by several rugby league scouts. Eventually the Sydney Roosters won the race for his signature. He played for several years in the lower grades at the Roosters but was unable to make his way into the first grade, so left the club looking for opportunities elsewhere. Eventually he signed with the St George Illawarra Dragons.