Peter V’landys says the NRL would be crazy not to draw on Phil Gould’s experience and expertise as the code’s modern-day godfather considers taking on a consultancy role at Rugby League Central.
V’landys is hoping to lure Gould for “special projects”, chiefly pathways and participation following the dual premiership-winning coach’s success at rebuilding Penrith.
“Look, the NRL will use any person that can give outcomes. We want outcomes for our game. Phil Gould is a rare person in that he’s been in every part of the game,” V’landys said on Monday.
“He’s been a player, he’s been a coach, he’s been an administrator and he’s set up a pathway of excellence (at the Panthers).
“So if you didn’t use that experience, you would be mad. And if we can harvest some of the things that he can do for us, it would be a good thing.”
One sticking point in negotiations with the 62-year-old is Gould’s commentary commitments for Nine.
Another is Gould seemingly being set to become a player agent.
“They’ll be addressed at the time. Everyone’s got a conflict in some way of fashion but we will give him projects where he hasn’t got a conflict,” V’landys said.
“I don’t think looking at the pathways or looking at the Pacific Islands or looking at New Zealand has got any conflict.
“If he was to look at the refereeing situation or the bunker, then yes there may be a conflict because he comments on that, and the conflict is actually to our benefit because he may not be as critical.
“But, look, the challenge is there for him to manage the conflicts. But at the end of it, I’m looking for outcomes. I’m looking at things that can improve the game.
“If Phil Gould can improve the game, I make no apology that we’ll use him.”
V’landys said the NRL spent $40 million on development pathways last year and that using Gould in that space could be invaluable.
“Gus has shown a lot of passion about the pathways. That’s where he inspires me,” the ARLC chairman said at the launch of Indigenous Round in Sydney.
“He has seen it all and he knows the mistakes we’ve made and we won’t want to make the same mistakes again.
“Last year $40 million was budgeted on pathways and if you do it wrong, that’s $40 million that is not well spent.”
As well as trying to entice Gould across to Moore Park, V’landys revealed interim NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo was all but certain to become Todd Greenberg’s permanent successor.
“I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the great work that Andrew Abdo’s doing,” he said.
“I think that he’s been exceptional and I’m sure you’ll see a lot more of him.”
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
On field decision is a try. Gus, check that for me..... After viewing the replay we have a decision.... No No No No try ????
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
Gould has pulled the wool over Annesley's eyes more than once (see Titans taking on contracts of Peachey and Cartwright as recent examples), so don't be surprised if he shows up Annesley's flaws once again..
WarHorse
Roar Rookie
Gould will just add even more power to the roosters at the NRL with his appointment. Imagine all the signings they could fit under their sombrero then.
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
This is an “expert” who has repeatedly stated that referees shouldn’t blow penalties in extra time, claimed that referees shouldn’t be looking for errors and infringements because they “kill the moment” and reduce the spectacle of the game, and stated that the judiciary should “take the finals off” and not cite players for foul player because the best players should be playing the grand final. The only thing the NRL should be consulting him on is how much they’d need to pay him to retire.
Nick
Roar Guru
That's because he constantly denies he works in the media. Listen to that podcast, he continually refers to the media as a group he's not a part of. He's such a flog.
PaulC
Roar Rookie
Randy, I first played League in the 7stone 7pounds weight 64 years ago & I have have followed it ever since especially since 1980 with the SOO starting & Qld teams entering the NSW competition. I can assure you that I have great long term memory & that the Gould interview did take place. It wasn't Qld paranioia. Gould in his position as CEO or Manager of Penrith visited as a "Guest" the Broncos & Cowboys to see their training & gym setups. While in Townsville as a "Guest" Gould behind the scenes tried to sign up Thurston. I rest my case.
Soda
Roar Rookie
Yeah for anyone else it would be a conflict but Gus is untouchable.
Adam
Roar Guru
I wish he would. But Monday night on 100% Footy he stated that there is no conflict of interest between being an NRL administrator and working in the media. The guy seems to have no idea what clash of interest actually means
Soda
Roar Rookie
Plan includes hiring, firing and then re-hiring if someone looks tired. Also every team will need a carton of OAK Choccy milk to be displayed at every press conference.
Soda
Roar Rookie
Wouldn't it be good to make Gus forfit his media roles to pursue this? That's the best outcome I can see out of this. I would like to think employing Gus directly would be way in which they could muzzle his toxic and inconsistent rants. It won't happen though. We are stuck with Gus until he retires.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
I hear he's heading to Belmore - Dogs beware
Nick
Roar Guru
Nothing. He won't do it. He's consistently shied away from roles with real accountability. Being the GM at Penrith is chump change to being in NRL admin. Smarter people also know not to bring him anywhere near a budget.
Nick
Roar Guru
Spot on.
Nick
Roar Guru
bathurst? You mean that one game a year....score!
Nick
Roar Guru
Paul... Think. It is worse for the NRL if the NRL don't agree with him! He then just peddles more of that egocentric drivel on TV, and his fork and spoon drones in the couches will just continue to soak it up. He would only go to the NRL if he had open reign to do exactly what he wanted. THe moment power is taken from him, or diluted in any capacity, he rants and rants and rants and rants and rants, and then rewrites history to suit his narrative.
Nick
Roar Guru
If this website's server could handle it, I'd write the names of the 7.8 billion other people on this planet would be better than Gould.
Big Daddy
Guest
Andrew 01, the guy has koala bear and spiders written allover him. They got rid of Greenberg but we are still stuck with Annesely and Sutton and I'm sure Tony Archer gets a guernsey some where. Nothing will change will while they are there. But wait maybe Gus is going to replace one of them.
kk
Roar Pro
Zinger of the season, Albo.
Big Daddy
Guest
If this does happen it's not exactly a vote of confidence in the people that are currently there. Currently we will have no 2 nd tier comps so I not exactly sure what he's going to do.
Albo
Roar Rookie
He can find a gig and a pay packet , can our Gus !