Phil Gould hits back at Canterbury Bulldogs drones conspiracy

Phil Gould has hit back at bizarre claims the Bulldogs don’t use drones to film training sessions in tongue-in-cheek fashion.

Phil Gould has hit back at claims the Bulldogs don't have drones.

NRL supremo Phil Gould has hit back at claims new recruits to the Canterbury Bulldogs were unimpressed by an alleged lack of drone footage used in pre-season training.

The accusations were made on Monday night’s episode of NRL360 by Daily Telegraph columnist Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield, who said some new Bulldogs players believed the quality of training wasn’t to the same standard as what they’ve experienced at previous clubs.

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“He’s under big pressure,” Rothfield said of Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett, who is entering his second season in charge at Belmore.

“There’s a couple of new players that have arrived at the club — I’m not going to name them — they’re not critical of Baz but they’re surprised that their pre-season wasn’t as detailed as what they’ve come to from their other organisations.

“I’m giving players up but even different drills, there’s a lot more camerawork that goes on with drones at the clubs they came from and then they’ll go and sit down and go through it all.”

NRL360 host Paul Kent added: “Just about every club uses drones now.”

Phil Gould hit back at the bizarre drone rumours. Pic: NRL Photos

The Bulldogs do indeed use drones to film their training sessions.

Rothfield responded: “Well Canterbury don’t. I might be wrong but I’ve got him favourite to be the first coach sacked, ahead of (Wests Tigers coach) Michael Maguire.”

But Gould, who joined Canterbury last year as the club’s general manager of football, hit back at Rothfield’s claims on Twitter on Tuesday.

In a series of tongue-in-cheek tweets, Gould dispelled those rumours and revealed the Bulldogs do indeed use drones to film their training sessions — posting a photo of a drone on top of the club’s logo.

The world is an amazing place these days. Back when I was a kid, things like drones would’ve been considered futuristic science fiction. Nowadays they are everywhere. Wish we had them when I was a coach 30 years ago. pic.twitter.com/AlqMjECknD

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) March 7, 2022

A sarcastic Gould shared aerial drone footage of Bulldogs players doing drills at training, as well as a photo of what appeared to be a team meeting with players, where drone footage was being analysed on a projector screen.

I’d love to watch a whole game of footy from a drone. Wish their was a drone strong enough to carry me. Love watching these drone shots of ⁦@NRL_Bulldogs⁩ training sessions. pic.twitter.com/EUb2h6fKUy

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) March 7, 2022

Drone footage of ⁦@NRL_Bulldogs⁩ skill drill. Use of drone observation is a popular coaching tool with all NRL clubs. Bulldogs video all training sessions from NRL, right down through the club grades, into the Bulldog Academy. pic.twitter.com/Y8gnIOXcfz

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) March 7, 2022

“@NRL_Bulldogs players & coaches spend hours reviewing training sessions, looking to improve,” Gould wrote.

“Drone vision & specially installed cameras at Belmore Oval provide perfect observation points. Whether it’s in our lecture theatre, or on road in camp, have camera, will review.“

The Bulldogs claimed the wooden spoon in last year’s NRL season and won just three games for the year — four less than the next worst team.

They will be looking to surge up the ladder this year after picking up several star recruits including Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Tevita Pangai Jr and Paul Vaughan.

Canterbury will take on the North Queensland on Sunday night in its first game of the NRL season.

Originally published as Phil Gould hits back at Canterbury Bulldogs drones conspiracy