Brisbane legends have described Phil Gould’s prediction that Penrith will beat the Broncos by 20 points in the NRL grand final as “an absolute gift”.
The former Panthers player, 1991 premiership winning coach and general manager was asked on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night what would transpire in the decider.
“Panthers win by 20,” Gould replied.
He went on to predict a scoreline of 30-10 in Penrith’s favour, just two months after asserting on the same program the Broncos did not have the defensive clout to win the competition.
Former premiership winners with the Broncos told AAP Gould’s words would not be lost on the club’s present players.
“It’s an absolute gift. You don’t get too many better than that in grand final week,” 2006 title winner Brent Tate said.
“It just adds to the under-siege mentality where no one gives you a hope. It builds the want and need to go out and get the job done.
“I respect Gus (Gould). He is paid to have strong opinions and he’s earned the right to have them.
“Gus knows exactly what he said and what it would cause. It is almost comical in one respect.
“If the Panthers get on a roll they can put 20 on anyone, so it is not the most outlandish statement I’ve heard, but the Broncos can win.
“It is all pointing towards an upset.”
Chris Johns, who won premierships in 1992 and 1993, said the current Bulldogs boss had reasons for the remarks.
“Gus must have had a bet on the Broncos, he is trying to fire them up,” Johns grinned.
“If you need a Churchillian speech or to get inside people’s heads, go and see Gus Gould.
“All I can see here is that he is trying to get inside the Broncos’ heads but he’s a Penrith man so I don’t know why he is doing that. That’s why you should go and check his betting account.
(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
“What he’s said doesn’t hurt. It is a gift to the Broncos. They will read that.”
Another 1992 and 1993 premiership winner, Kerrod Walters – the twin brother of current Broncos coach Kevin Walters – said Gould’s opinion “won’t affect the result”.
“The Broncos don’t need Gus to motivate them but it will be in the back of their minds,” he said.
“He did say earlier in the year the Cowboys were a good chance of winning the comp, and he was wrong there.
“Gus normally has reasons behind his quotes … but I don’t know how anyone with his knowledge can say that.”
Johns suggested there was little to choose between the teams.
“Whichever team turns up with more desire is going to win. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
“The Broncos are a very special football side but we are seeing one of the most special sides ever in Penrith.”
© AAP
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