NRL 2023: Andrew Abdo says league won’t silence Phil Gould
As angst grows at some rival clubs about Phil Gould’s media commentary on NRL issues, the league says it will not silence the outspoken Bulldogs powerbroker.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo insists head office has no interest in silencing Phil Gould despite holding a meeting with Bulldogs powerbrokers where concerns were raised over use of his high-profile commentary role to benefit the club he helps run.
Abdo’s olive branch to Gould came as Newcastle director of football Peter Parr said “people at other clubs should worry about their own club” after Gould lashed the Knights for allowing players to travel to Bali on a mid-season break.
The NRL has harboured concerns for some time over a potential conflict of interest between Gould’s lofty position at the Bulldogs and his influential role on the Nine Network.
Abdo confirmed he met Bulldogs bosses last week to discuss the issue, but insisted there was no push to muzzle Gould.
“This is definitely not about silencing anyone in the media,” Abdo said.
“It’s important for everyone to have their opinions. You guys (the media) do a great job for us, telling the stories to the fans. This is not about not wanting criticism, this is just about the rules that the NRL has for everyone accredited in the game.
“There’s a reason why club officials aren’t able to comment when a matter is live because we don’t want the perception of that influencing the decision-makers.
“Clearly my conversation with the Bulldogs was just around registered club officials not breaching the rules.
“If there’s a matter that’s live, for example either a matter that relates to the match review or the judiciary or an integrity matter, the rules don’t permit players or officials accredited under those rules to talk openly about it.
“That’s what the conversation was about.”
Asked whether he would speak directly to Gould, Abdo said: “I chat to Gus from time to time and I’m always open to meeting with him. At this stage that’s not necessary although we do have an open dialogue and we’ll continue to do that.”
The NRL is aware rival clubs are becoming increasingly frustrated at Gould’s commentary and whether some of his comments could help the Bulldogs, where he works as general manager.
One club official questioned whether Gould could attempt to obtain an “unfair advantage” through his commentary.
Aware of Gould’s power and influence, few are willing to speak on the record.
It has now become an operational issue for the NRL.
“We’ve been involved in constructive dialogue with Andrew and we’re completely aligned with the NRL in providing positive outcomes for the game in all aspects,” said Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton.
Of particular concern to the nrl are comments by Gould related to live matters before the judiciary involving Bulldogs players and criticism of head office over their ruling on Josh Jackson’s retirement.
Gould savaged Newcastle this week for allowing players to travel overseas on a mid-season bye weekend. While all clubs were gathering in Brisbane for Magic Round, at least six Newcastle players were holidaying in Bali.
“It just wouldn’t have happened in my day. For me, it was two weeks to get ready for your next game, and you shouldn’t lose if you had the two weeks to get ready,” Gould told the Nine Network.
Gould’s comments were supported by a Daily Telegraph poll, with 75 per cent of more than 1000 votes saying the Knights should have worked through the break rather than receive nine days leave.
While refusing to engage in a slanging match with Gould, Parr said: “Our preference would be that people at other clubs worry about their own club.
“We’ll be guided by our head coach and the coaching staff, not by other clubs. We will run our club.
“Lots of people have an opinion on how to best utilise your byes. Some people think you should get flogged, others think you should get away.
“We’ve got three games and then another bye so they won’t be going away on the next bye or the one after that. I reckon there would be less than half a dozen overseas.”
Some Newcastle players ventured to the NSW south coast while others, including Kalyn Ponga and Adam Elliott, remained to complete training extras.
Parr pointed out coaches Paul Green, Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett have previously given players a mid-season break while NSW’s Nathan Cleary travelled to Bali after last year’s Origin series.
“Adam O’Brien and the coaching staff planned this before the season started. They had a look at the draw and we have 16 days between games, which is unheard of in the NRL,” Parr said.
“We played Parramatta last Friday night (a 43-12 loss), we then have the bye this weekend and we don’t play until the following Sunday.
“We have three byes this season. We said to the players that this was an opportunity to have a week off during the season because they’re going to be training in the other two byes.
“We told them back in pre-season so they could let their families know so they were trying to make arrangements at the last minute.”
More Coverage
Originally published as NRL 2023: Andrew Abdo says league won’t silence Phil Gould
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.