Three-time Richmond premiership star Daniel Rioli has reportedly made a trip to the Gold Coast, withย 10 News Queensland speculating that it may not have been for a leisurely stay.
10 News First understands Richmond premiership player Daniel Rioli has visited the Gold Coast and it wasnโt just for a holiday.
Rioli is known to have a close relationship with Suns coach Damien Hardwick, with the running defender spending the first two years of his AFL careerโฆ pic.twitter.com/Tg1H3HIVit
— 10 News First Queensland (@10NewsFirstQLD) April 17, 2024
Rumours of Richmond stars re-joining Damien Hardwick in a move to the Gold Coast have swirled since the coach resigned from Tiger-land last season, with club legend Dustin Martin being the suspected prime signing.
Daniel Rioli remains contracted with the Tigers until the end of 2027, meaning a move would have to be made via trade.
The 27-year-old half-back is known to have a close relationship with his former coach, having spent the first two years of his AFL career living with Hardwick.
The former Richmond coach has already been successful in luring former Tiger talent up North, All-Australian defender Alex Rance making the move to join Gold Coast as a leadership consultant and suspected coaching assistant.
Under new coach Adam Yze, the Tigers have had a mixed start to 2024 but boast a 1-5 record with an uncertain future.
Veteran stars like Rioli may understandably be seeking moves elsewhere to extend their careers in a winning side, which Gold Coast look to be becoming under their new three-time premiership coach.
Richmond face a bye this weekend before their ANZAC Day Eve clash with Melbourne where they hope to rejuvenate their waning season.
Gold Coast face Sydney at the SCG this Sunday with hopes of entrenching their top eight status.
