Phil Gould explodes on air after Canterbury Bulldogs’ failed pub ploy to sign Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Thwarted by the NRL and its salary cap, Phil Gould has had a furious on-air exchange with a reporter over the Bulldogs’ botched attempt to sign Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, writes Phil Rothfield.
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Gus Gould has had an on-air explosion on Channel Nine in a furious exchange with a fellow panel member on 100% Footy over his botched attempt to sign Gold Coast Titans forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
The pair were discussing the Daily Telegraph’s exclusive weekend report that the Bulldogs were poised to offer Fa’asuamaleaui a $4 million deal and an investment opportunity with Laundy Hotels, their major sponsor.
Gould angrily denied the story before being questioned by journalist Michael Chammas.
Chammas: “Well where did it come from?”
Gus: “Didn’t I just answer that. It’s made up. It’s made up. Someone has just made it up.”
Chammas: “To destabilise the Bulldogs?”
Gus: “100 per cent, 100 per cent. You do it yourself. You do it to me to destabilise me all the time. You’ve done it 100 times. You’ve been wrong that many times it’s not funny.”
Chammas: “What have I done?”
Gus: “Come on young whippersnapper. Plenty of times. Do you want me to list them for you. Plenty of times, plenty of times.”
Chammas: “Tell me.”
Gus: “I couldn’t be bothered, you’re not worth it. You’re not worth it.”
The confrontation occurred after Gould had slammed my weekend column in which billionaire pub tycoon Arthur Laundy openly revealed his plan to offer potential Bulldogs recruits a stake in his hotels.
Laundy said he would guarantee a 10 to 12 per cent annual return for players wanting to invest.
And he even offered a money-back guarantee.
“If something was to go wrong, I’ve got enough money to guarantee them their money back,” he said.
“I’m very determined to make this work and help out Canterbury.”
After the interview Laundy phoned back to have one quote deleted. He was fine with the rest of the story.
On Monday the NRL was quick to rule the Bulldogs ploy did not meet salary cap rules.
Gould then went into denial mode on Monday night’s show.
“I’ve never spoken to Tino, I’ve never met Tino,” he said, “I wouldn’t know who managed Tino.
“It’s never been discussed within our club.
(The Daily Telegraph has information to prove otherwise)
“This article has come out of left field and someone has added two and two together and come up with five to try to destabilise our club.
“It’s been a common theme throughout this season and ever since I joined the club. It’s a continuing childish thing that they do. That’s life in the rugby league world.”
Bulldogs’ Tino-pub ploy set for NRL salary cap hurdle
The NRL is poised to step in to stop Phil Gould and his Canterbury Bulldogs from signing Gold Coast Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui with the enticement of shares in a pub.
This masthead revealed on Sunday that the Bulldogs were trying to secure Fa’asuamaleaui with a $4 million contract – and a share in a hotel via major sponsor Arthur Laundy.
The Maroons and Kangaroos forward and his barnstorming teammate David Fifita are free agents following the sacking of coach Justin Holbrook.
The club’s major sponsors, the Laundy family, have been in contact with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo to get approval for their plan to offer Fa’asuamaleaui an investment opportunity in one of their 30 pubs across NSW – on top of his contract.
However the NRL indicated on Monday would have to be included in the salary cap.
“If there is a guaranteed benefit as part of a contract negotiation, whether through an investment or a return, it will be included in the salary cap,” a spokesman said.
“If there is a discounted price to market value, the discount will be included in the salary cap.”
It’s interesting in that Melbourne Storm did the same thing last year when a number of their stars were off contract and in huge demand from rival clubs.
Chairman Matt Tripp sought – and was granted – approval for the players to be offered investment opportunities in his bookmaking firm Betr.
Arthur Laundy has confirmed he has stepped in to help Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo to sign quality players with the pub ploy.
“It’s harder for clubs lower on the table like Canterbury and the Wests Tigers in recruitment,” he said.
“Some players will take less to try to win a competition at the stronger teams.
“That’s what we’re up against and that’s why I’m helping out.
“We’ve got to lure them in with a deal that no-one else can do.”
Laundy is so passionate about making a difference at the Bulldogs and offering assistance to players.
“You don’t want young players wasting their money on flash cars,” Laundy said.
“Their lives are back to front. Instead of doing a course and making good money in five years, footballers earn big money from the start.
“But what do they do with it? Some of them are so young.”
The billionaire hotel tycoon even says he can guarantee a 10 to 12 per cent annual return for players wanting to invest in his pubs.
And he’s even offering a money-back guarantee.
“If something was to go wrong, I’ve got enough money to guarantee them their money back,” he said.
“If they want out at the end to get married, to buy a house, I’ll buy them out.
“I’m very determined to make this work and help out Canterbury.”
Whether this is enough to convince Fa’asuamaleaui to join his old teammate Toby Sexton at Belmore remains to be seen.
And whether fans from rival clubs think it’s an unfair enticement remains to be seen.
We spoke to Fa’asuamaleaui’s agent Simon Mammino over the weekend.
“Clubs are reaching out but we’re leaving it alone until after Origin,” Mammino said.
“There was anger and emotion at first. Then he cooled down and we’ve got three months to solve it.
“He’s a leader and a humble man who won’t play it out in the media.”
Apart from Canterbury, other option is Melbourne Storm, who have expressed a strong interest.
However, you get the impression that the Titans are favourites.
“Tino’s preference is to stay at the titans,” Mammino said, “He was close to Justin but he is also very close with his teammates. He wants to win a comp with this group. To move away from family would be a big call for him although it doesn’t mean he won’t go.”
Fifita will also wait until after Origin to make a call on his future.
At least three clubs, including the Canberra Raiders, have reached out.
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