NRL 2021: Phil Gould joins Canterbury Bulldogs

Phil Gould made his mark as a player and coach at Canterbury, and now he’s set to help the club in a stunning development.

Phil Gould is back with the Canterbury Bulldogs. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Phil Gould is back at Belmore for the first time in 32 years. The Canterbury premiership winning coach has joined the club as its new head of football.

The shock decision comes after Gould’s most recent role with the Warriors had been slashed significantly because of Covid-19.

Gould made his mark as a player and coach at Canterbury - winning a premiership in his first year as coach in 1988. He left the club at the end of the next season before going on to coach the Panthers to a premiership win.

Gould said “it was a great opportunity” to return to Canterbury.

Phil Gould has as its new head of football. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I had an approach from the Bulldogs before Magic Round,” Gould told Channel 9. “At the time I politely declined because I was committed to the Warriors. It felt like we were getting traction. I haven’t seen Warriors coaches or players for eight or nine weeks. It made sense for the Warriors and for me.

He added participation “is key” to Canterbury’s success. Gould will maintain a link with the Warriors and help develop their junior academy.

Gould will provide some much needed support to coach Trent Barrett. The pair share a close bond first during Gould’s time as a coach for NSW where Barrett played then during their time at Penrith in recent seasons. Gould actually warned Barrett against taking on the Bulldogs coaching job before he started in the role during the off-season.

Bulldogs staff and players were told of Gould’s appointment as they watched the Friday night clash between Manly and St George Illawarra in their Queensland hub.

Canterbury chairman John Khoury said Gould’s appointment would help turn the club’s fortunes around.

Phil Gould had been working for the Warriors. Picture: Instagram

“Phil has a great relationship with Trent Barrett and we firmly believe that he can help to drive us forward to getting back to where we need to be - namely as a premiership contender once again,” Khoury said. “A great deal of work went into ensuring we recruited the right person for the football manager role and I am delighted that the club will get to benefit from Phil’s knowledge and track record of success, as we look to the future.”

The Bulldogs have been without a head of football since dumping club legend Steve Price last October. Gould was first linked to the role by The Daily Telegraph in June.

Canterbury have already been active in the player market already attracting Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, Brent Naden and Matt Dufty for next season. They want to land forwards Paul Vaughan and Tevita Pangai Jnr.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Phil Gould joins Canterbury Bulldogs