Concern for Phil Gould as gruesome eye photo goes viral

Concerns have been raised for Phil Gould after the NRL icon announced he is taking a break from the game and Channel 9.

Concerns have been raised for Phil Gould after the rugby league icon shared a gruesome photo of his “new eye” following surgery on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs football boss told followers on X he will be taking a brief break from the game after having a scheduled procedure on his left eye.

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Gould showed off the results of the operation with a confronting photo that has gone viral on X with more than 50,000 views.

Social media users have shared their concerns and support for the 67-year-old, who showed off what he called a “new eye”.

Gould on Monday announced he was booked in for the operation.

Phil Gould shared the photo: X and @PhilGould15.

“Undergoing eye surgery tomorrow,” he posted.

“Taking the rest of the week off. There will be a special replacement for the Six Tackles with Gus podcast on Wednesday.

“Hopefully I’m back on deck for 100% Footy next Monday Night. Enjoy the weekend round of football ahead everyone.”

He posted on Tuesday with laughing emojis: “And there it is … A new eye”.

Gould still completed his regular duties on the panel for Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night.

Phil Gould was a different man in 2021. Photo: Instagram.

Phil Gould addresses media. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard.

It has been a turbulent year for the rugby league guru, who was last month accused of telling fibs over his actions during the Bulldogs’ messy raid to snatch Lachie Galvin away from the Wests Tigers.

He also caused a stir with his criticism of Queensland coach Billy Slater over the Storm legend’s decision to axe former captain Daly Cherry-Evans for State of Origin Game 2.

In his personal life, Gould appears to be in rare health after recent weight losses.

Gould has trimmed down in recent years and in 2022 lost more than 10kg after leaving his position as football boss at the Warriors in 2021.

Depending on State allegiances, many will hope to see Gus standing in front of the goal posts for the State of Origin series decider on July 9.

Originally published as Concern for Phil Gould as gruesome eye photo goes viral