Phil Gould shows off radical, unexplained weight loss

Fans were all left asking the same question after Phil Gould stole the show at the announcement of Channel 9’s new NRL commentary team.

Phil Gould looks very different from his time at the Warriors. Photo: Nine Publicity.

If the new-look Phil Gould is anything to go by, the Bulldogs will be up for the fight in 2023.

The rugby league icon stole the show at Nine’s recent NRL season launch when he showed off his incredible recent weight loss.

The Bulldogs’ football department boss has left fans doing double takes in recent months after a weight loss journey that has coincided with his arrival at Canterbury.

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The 64-year-old has remained tight-lipped about his recent body shred and it remains a mystery exactly how much weight he has lost.

The Sunday Telegraph reported in December Canterbury insiders believe Gould has lost more than 10kg since he arrived at the club, having left the Warriors in 2021.

Phil Gould looked a different man at the season launch. Photo: Nine Publicity.

The new-look Gus. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Glenn Campbell

It is reported Gould’s weight loss success is the simple result of a healthy diet and training program.

Nine last week announced its new commentary team for the 2023 NRL season and the event left fans all asking the same question about the former NSW State of Origin coach’s physique.

According to The Daily Mail, Gould chose not to elaborate when fellow Channel 9 icon Paul Vautin addressed his weight during the event.

The great Paul Fatty Vautin … Makes me laugh every time ⁦@NRLonNine⁩ He too funny 😂 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/qDvayswtJr

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 26, 2023

Jim Jones. Canterbury Leagues Club. pic.twitter.com/Y20bqNvw7R

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 9, 2023

The sight of Gould even left the former Footy Show host gobsmacked.

As Gould walked onto the stage for a Q+A, Vautin reportedly said: “Who is this? Slim Gould?”

The NRL guru is in the best shape he has been in for years and fans have been getting used to the new trimmed-down TV commentator.

It was announced at the season launch in Brisbane Gould will continue to be busy in 2023 with the great man juggling his roles between Nine’s live match commentary team, expert panellist on 100% Footy and his podcast.

Gus Gould before his departure from Penrith. Photo by Renee McKay/Getty Images.

Phil Gould at the Warriors. Pic: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CKVVGBuLLS7/

Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould. Picture: Kevin Farmer.

Nine has made several significant changes to its host of NRL talent for the 2023 season with Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Sonny Bill Williams the headline acts.

Broadcast hosts James Bracey, Danika Mason, and Emma Lawrence are also returning, while play-by-play callers Peter Psaltis and Mat Thompson will continue to call the action, stepping into the massive void caused by the retirement of Ray Warren.

The TV shows returning for Nine in 2023 include, The Sunday Footy Show, 100% Footy and NRLWRAP — a show dedicated to the NRLW competition.

The NRL season gets underway on Thursday night with the Eels facing off with the Storm. Fox League’s special coverage of the blockbuster begins from 6.30pm. All eight matches of every round are available on Fox League and Kayo.