New Zealand under 23s international striker Riley Bidois has returned to the Wellington Phoenix after three and a half years away.
The 24-year-old has rejoined the Phoenix on a season-long loan from United Soccer League (USL) Championship club Monterey Bay FC.
Bidois came through the Nix academy and made five first team appearances for the Nix late in the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
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He played for Dandenong City in the Victorian NPL before making the shift to USL Championship, first with Loudoun United in Virginia before shifting to Monterey Bay in California
Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre is “delighted” to have Bidois back at the club.
“I had the privilege of working with Riley at the academy and he was a player I admired and respected,” Greenacre said on the club website.
“For whatever reason things didn’t materialise for him at the Phoenix four years ago, but I’ve seen how much he’s improved since then.
“Riley made the difficult decision to head overseas and live away from home to further his career.
“It took him a while to settle but most recently at Monterey he’s got back to doing what he does best and that’s playing well and scoring goals.
“Riley’s a player that can add a lot of value to our squad. It helps he already knows the environment and he knows the players.
“And as a striker his hold up play is very, very good, he’s got a good eye for goal, good speed and he’s a young player that needs an opportunity at this level.”
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Bidois said that a return home to New Zealand was a big drawcard for the move, as well as the chance to play under club legend Greenacre.
“It’s awesome being back in the building and being around all the staff and players again,” he said on the Nix website.
“I missed them and I’m happy to be back home.
“Being back in New Zealand was the biggest pull. Greeny getting the head coach job and Steve [Coleman] being the assistant excited me a well.
“I’ve worked a lot with Greeny and Steve before and I like the way they operate. I think they can get the best out of me.”
Bidois’s younger brother Jonty plays for NZ rivals Auckland, leading to some family awkwardness.
“We’re very close. We talk a lot, but when he found out I was coming here he went a bit quiet,” Bidois said.
“It’s going to funny to play against each other and hopefully I can come out on top.
“I don’t know what my parents are going to do. They’re going to have to wear white or something.”
The Wellington Phoenix kick off their 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign against Melbourne Victory on Sunday October 18.
Tickets for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season go on sale this afternoon.
