‘You’ve been wrong that many times’: Gus’ wild TV clash over Tino pub claims

Phil Gould has blown up in a furious exchange with a journalist over the club’s messy attempt to sign Titans star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

Gus Gould has denied trying to lure Tino with pub ownership.

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has blown up in a furious exchange with a journalist over the club’s messy attempt to sign Titans superstar Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

The pair were discussing Canterbury’s bid to sign Fa’asuamaleaui on a $4 million contract and a share of Laundy Hotels, which is a major sponsor of the club.

According to the Daily Telegraph who broke the story, Arthur Laundy said he would guarantee a 10 to 12 per cent annual return for players who invested in his business.

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On Monday the NRL intervened to stop the deal being offered when it was revealed Fa’asuamaleaui would get his invested cash back if the hotel chain went bust.

Gould angrily denied the story before being questioned by experienced journalist Michael Chammas on 100% Footy.

Chammas: “Well where did it come from?”

Gould: “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?”

Gould: “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?”

Gould: “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.”

General Manager of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Phil Gould. Photo: Getty

After the NRL blocked the deal, Gould denied the story despite Laundy being quoted saying his business had been in talks with the club.

Sounded like an angry man who got exposed for questionable salary cap dealings. https://t.co/O6k9OWn0mG

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) July 10, 2023

Gus denying Tino story is up there with his comment last year that Trent Barrett would be at the Bulldogs for longer than him. Poor Baz was gone 3 weeks later.

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) July 10, 2023

“I’ve never spoken to Tino, I’ve never met Tino,” Gould said.

“I wouldn’t know who managed Tino. It’s never been discussed within our club.

“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.”

Rothfield then fired back at Gould’s claims on Twitter, doubling down on his story.

Originally published as ‘You’ve been wrong that many times’: Gus’ wild TV clash over Tino pub claims