NRL steps in to address Phil Gould issue amid concerns from rival clubs

NRL boss Andrew Abdo has spoken to Canterbury officials in the wake of concerns in clubland about Bulldogs head of football Phil Gould.

NRL 2022 RD02 Sydney Roosters v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles - Phil Gould. Picture: NRL Photos

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has addressed the festering issue of Phil Gould’s public commentary role with Bulldogs bosses.

News Corp understands that Abdo spoke to senior Canterbury officials on Friday afternoon about a range of issues, including concerns in clubland that Gould was using his position on the Nine Network to comment on live issues around the judiciary and officiating.

Under NRL rules, club officials can face sanction if they are overly critical of the NRL, or discuss charges that are yet to be settled by the judiciary.

It is understood rival clubs have raised concerns with the NRL over Gould being given free rein in his high-profile position as a commentator with the Nine Network.

Abdo declined to comment or confirm talks had taken place when contacted by News Corp. However, sources close to the Bulldogs confirmed there had been discussions on Friday afternoon, also insisting there was no discussion of sanctions against the club’s head of football.

Clubs have raised concerns with the NRL over Phil Gould being given free rein in his high-profile position as a commentator. Picture: NRL Photos

It is understood the Bulldogs were sympathetic to Abdo’s position and assured the NRL boss that club officials would endeavour to avoid commenting on ‘live issues’ in the future.

At different points this season, Gould — albeit acting in his role with the Nine Network — has lashed the NRL over scheduling, slammed the use of the independent doctor and criticised the crackdown on hip drops.

There is a belief in some corners of the game that the NRL is running scared of Gould given he wields such significant influence as an official at one of Sydney’s biggest clubs and a commentator with one of the game’s host broadcasters.

Abdo, however, has sought to address the issue by holding talks with Bulldogs officials. It is unclear whether Gould was involved in the discussions.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has held talks with Bulldogs officals about Phil Gould. Picture: Getty Images

Gould isn’t the only club official with a role in the media. Cooper Cronk, Greg Alexander and Michael Ennis are commentators with Fox League and also involved in clubland, either as board members or in a consultancy capacity.

However, few have the reach and impact of Gould when it comes to club and media roles. Nor are many as overtly critical of head office when they are in the mood.

While Gould’s position as the head of football at Canterbury — where he has overseen an overhaul of the club’s playing and coaching ranks — means he wields enormous influence in clubland, the role also dictates that he should be governed by the same rules as other officials when it comes to public commentary.

The NRL have no desire to force Gould to choose between the respective roles. Nor are they seeking to muzzle Gould when it comes to his commentary duties, so long as he refrains from discussing issues that are out of bounds for club officials.

Revelations of talks between the NRL and the Bulldogs should go some way towards easing concerns that there is a distinct double standard when it comes to Gould’s comments and those of other officials.

Originally published as NRL steps in to address Phil Gould issue amid concerns from rival clubs