NRL 2023: NSW Blues discuss Phil Gould return after Greg Alexander quits as advisor

Phil Gould has been discussed for a shock return to the Origin arena, as the NSW Blues begin a sweeping overhaul after back-to-back State of Origin series defeats.

Greg Alexander (centre) has stepped down as key advisor to Blues coach Brad Fittler. Picture: Brett Costello

Phil Gould has been discussed for a return to the State of Origin fold as head coach Brad Fittler prepares to complete a sweeping overhaul of his staff in a bid to keep his job at the helm of the NSW Blues.

Fittler outlined his plans for the future at a NSW Rugby League board meeting on Friday morning, informing Blues directors of his plan to completely change his staff in an attempt to end Queensland’s dominance under Maroons coach Billy Slater.

Fittler’s adviser Greg Alexander confirmed on SEN Radio on Friday morning that he had opted not to return for a seventh series.

The Blues have discussed bringing Phil Gould back into the fold. Picture: Julian Andrews

This masthead also confirmed that assistant coaches and former Blues legends Paul McGregor, Danny Buderus and Andrew Johns would also not be coming back if Fittler is given the job again as they prioritise their other work commitments.

It is understood head conditioner Hayden Knowles will also not be part of the new setup under Fittler.

It means Fittler is in the process of piecing together a fresh Blues brain’s trust with Gould raised as a potential replacement for Alexander.

Change was expected but it is understood even the Blues hierarchy were stunned by the extent of the alterations.

As a result, they have delayed any decision on Fittler’s future until next week to give them time to fully comprehend and consider the changes.

Gould has been a close ally of Fittler for years, as both a coach and mentor. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The suggestion that Gould is in the mix would give the Blues plenty of food for thought given the sway he has held in Origin and continues to wield in the NRL as the Bulldogs head of football.

Gould has been a close ally of Fittler for years as both a coach and a mentor. The two still have a close relationship and work together on the Nine Network.

Gould would be a ready-made replacement for Alexander, who has acted as Fittler’s senior adviser and mentor for the past six years.

Alexander made the call to step down last week, revealing his decision on the breakfast show he co-hosts with Andrew Voss .

Brad Fittler’s NSW coaching staff is set for an overhaul.

“I spoke to Freddy last week and told him 2023 would be my final year,” Alexander said.

“My time is done. After six years, I’ve got to say fantastic years, it’s over for me. But after six years, and I’ve got to say six fantastic years, up and down, but that’s Origin, the rollercoaster, seductive as it is, to have another go.

“I’ve just decided that that’s enough. It’s been a massive part of my life for six years. But it’s a big commitment, and I’ve committed elsewhere (SEN Radio).

Asked by Voss when he decided to make the call to step away, Alexander said: “I think it was after it, when everything calmed down, after the (recent family) trip overseas, I just thought about it.

“And when you hesitate, when Freddy asked me, are you good to go again, it’s not a job that you hesitate on.”

Greg Alexander has stepped down from his role as chief advisor to Brad Fittler. Picture: Getty Images

This masthead confirmed that McGregor has also stepped away from Origin due to travel and work commitments. McGregor joined Fittler’s staff at the end of 2021 after Craig Fitzgibbon landed the head coaching job at Cronulla.

Fittler has kept his new coaching staff under wraps but it had been widely touted that premiership-winning Penrith coach Ivan Cleary could join after playing a hand in the Blues’ game three win over Queensland this season.

Cleary joined Fittler in the coaches box at Accor Stadium as the Blues saved face with a win in Origin III.

However, suggestions that Gould could form part of Fittler’s staff likely precludes Cleary being involved given the history between the pair - Gould sacked Cleary at Penrith nearly a decade ago.