Gould refuses to rule out NSW return
By Steve Jancetic, 26 Jun 2009
- Tagged:
- ANZ stadium, Craig Bellamy, NRL, NSW Blues, Phil Gould, Queensland Maroons, Rugby League, state or origin
Former NSW coach Phil Gould has refused to rule out a return to the Origin arena, but claims drastic changes would need to be made at the administrative level for him to again take the reins.
Craig Bellamy’s future as NSW coach is under intense scrutiny after the Blues lost their record fourth series in a row with a 24-14 loss to Queensland at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.
Bellamy has been in charge of the last two series losses, with no NSW coach in the history of Origin football having been retained after back-to-back defeats.
Speaking on the Nine Network’s The Footy Show, Gould – the most successful NSW coach with six series wins from eight attempts – said there was no way he could return under the current NSWRL regime.
Gould claimed NSW had to completely review the way they approached Origin football, and he said the media scrutiny players were forced to now endure had taken the fun out of the game.
But he refused to slam the door completely shut on a Blues return.
“There would have to be a massive change where I could see a circumstance where I would want to coach again,” Gould said.
“I’m not saying I wouldn’t, I just can’t see those things happening.
“Because I can’t see them happening, I can’t see myself coaching.”
Gould’s main gripe seemed to be aimed at certain sections of the ARL and NSWRL management.
“I don’t think I can work for the ARL or NSW Rugby League in their current state,” he said.
“I fought for them during the Super League war and I’m very disappointed with what they’ve done since … I think they’ve messed it up a lot.
“If I was to come back to coaching I think it would be more at the club level than the rep level, but having said that, there would have to be massive changes to the administration of our game.”
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June 28th 2009 @ 9:33pm
joeb said | June 28th 2009 @ 9:33pm | Report comment
“Craig Bellamy’s future as NSW coach is under intense scrutiny after the Blues lost their record fourth series in a row with a 24-14 loss to Queensland at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.”
So the Cane Toads have won 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Who won 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002?
“Speaking on the Nine Network’s The Footy Show, Gould – the most successful NSW coach with six series wins from eight attempts – said there was no way he could return under the current NSWRL regime.”
From memory Gus’s first Origin series win was incredibly ugly meaning the team’s emphasis was totally committed to defence and when in possession taking it up mostly one out was the instruction; there was no razzle dazzle whatsoever — watching the Berlin Wall come down proved more interesting — and the public moaned, and Peter Frillingos backed the public to the hilt, and rightly so. But then came the ball through the hands approach, emphasis shifting to playing skilful “attacking rugby league” and we were happy again.
But considering Steve “Turvey” Mortimer took NSW to our first ever series win (according to you chaps, and how can anyone forget?), it’d be fantastic to see Turvey retake the reins because he’s obviously still got the “never say die” pride and passion of the jumper burning where it counts — in the ticker!
They don’t breed Bulldogs like Turvey any more.
June 28th 2009 @ 9:34pm
joeb said | June 28th 2009 @ 9:34pm | Report comment
Correct URL:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/phil-gould/2009/06/27/1245961447654.html?page=2