The ex-rugby union player said it all came down to practice, and living right next to the Western Heights High School rugby field helped a lot.
"I try to get out every day. Sometimes I take some of the under-16 and under-17 players with me and give them some tips."
When the Rotorua Daily Post rang him yesterday, Ririnui was just on his way to do what he does best.
"I'm just on my way to practise my kicking now," he said after pulling over to chat on the phone.
Ririnui said school was still going at Western Heights High School so he was driving out to Ngongotaha to practise.
Ririnui, who is better known by his nickname Muds, said he picked up the nickname as a child.
He said his brother started calling him Muds because he would always disappear to the rugby fields next to their home in Wanganui and return covered in mud.
"It just stuck, now everyone calls me that. If someone calls out the name John I don't react," he said. "But when someone calls out Muds I'm like, 'chur'."
Ririnui, who has been a standout in the halves for Ngongotaha this year, has helped his side to two wins from two this season in the premier division.
Ngongotaha coach Dominic James said Ririnui had been in excellent form.
"He averages a 40/20 each game and 85 per cent of his kicks this year have been from the sideline."
James said they had a big test coming up tomorrow against the only other undefeated side Taupo Phoenix, in Taupo.
He said his team were looking good this year, even with a big injury toll, and they were looking forward to the match.
Rotorua's only other premier rugby league side, Pikiao, will face off at home against Forestland (Tokoroa) tomorrow, at Puketawhero Park at 2.30pm.
The other premier match will see Turangi host Pacific.
Reserve grade games start at 1pm tomorrow and include Central hosting Pacific (Puketawhero Park), Pikiao hosting Tauhara (Puketawhero Park), Taupo hosting Mangakino (Hickling Park), Reporoa hosting Ngongotaha (Reporoa) and Putaruru bye.
