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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