Phil Gould overlooked for Channel 9 NRL grand final coverage

He’s the most powerful voice in rugby league but Phil Gould has been bumped down the pecking order for Sunday’s NRL grand final.

The most powerful voice in rugby league has been overlooked by Channel 9 for Sunday night’s NRL grand final coverage.

Phil Gould has been bumped down the pecking order to providing expert commentary for the State Championship grand final.

“Gus” won’t be part of Nine’s coverage for the premiership decider between Melbourne and Penrith nor the Roosters-Sharks NRLW final.

Instead, he will be part of the commentary team for the battle between the Newton Jets and Norths Devils – NSW and Queensland’s top reserve grade clubs.

Phil Gould has been bumped down the pecking order by Channel 9.

Nine has opted to go with Blues legend Andrew Johns and Queensland Origin coach Billy Slater as its expert commentators alongside caller Mat Thompson for the NRL grand final while Brad Fittler and Danika Mason will conduct sideline duties.

A former Penrith employee, Gould was accused of biased commentary during the 2020 decider between the Panthers and Storm, which he refuted.

The versatile Brenton Speed will call the NRLW final alongside Ruan Sims, Johnathan Thurston, Allana Ferguson and Marlee Silva.

Gould will be part of the State Championship commentary team alongside Queensland caller Peter Psaltis, Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer and Silva.

Gould is arguably the game’s most influential character whose opinions carry enormous weight.

However he has been relegated to the first curtain-raiser for the biggest day on the NRL calendar.

Originally published as Phil Gould overlooked for Channel 9 NRL grand final coverage