Rugby league legend Phil Gould has been hospitalized with what are described as “significant health concerns.” The 67-year-old, who serves as the general manager for the Canterbury Bulldogs, has been in the hospital since Monday, according to Nine’s Danny Weidler. The announcement was made during the Dally M awards on Wednesday, where Weidler noted that Gould faces “a big couple of days ahead.”
Weidler shared on social media platform X that he had communicated with Gould to wish him a speedy recovery. “Nine league expert and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has been in hospital since Monday and has some significant health concerns,” Weidler wrote. The Australian has reported that Gould is awaiting test results related to a heart condition.
Health Concerns and Hospitalization
Gould’s absence was noted on Channel Nine’s “100% Footy” show on Monday night. However, reports indicate that he remains in good spirits and has been in contact with the Bulldogs’ hierarchy via email from his hospital bed. Canterbury chief executive Aaron Warburton confirmed that Gould is scheduled for further medical tests. “He’s had a few tests and will have a few more,” Warburton told News Corp. “He’s in good spirits.”
Earlier this year, concerns about Gould’s health were raised when he posted a photo on social media following eye surgery. The image showed him wearing a see-through eye patch over his “new eye,” and he took a brief hiatus from rugby league after the procedure. Gould, who has over 75,000 followers on X, mentioned that he plans to have his other eye treated in the future.
Active Presence Despite Health Issues
Despite his recent hospitalization, Gould has remained active on social media. Over the past week, he congratulated the Brisbane Broncos on their finals victory against Penrith. This year has been eventful for Gould, whose team was eliminated from the finals series by Penrith, despite being a strong contender to end their 21-year championship drought.
The hospitalization comes amid Gould’s outspoken criticism of the NRL’s preliminary final scheduling. On Nine’s “Wide World of Sports,” he argued that the Melbourne Storm received an unfair advantage heading into the NRL Grand Final against the Broncos. Gould criticized the decision to schedule the Storm and Sharks’ preliminary final on Friday night, while the Broncos and Panthers played on Sunday.
“They are gonna get an extra two days of recovery leading into the grand final,” Gould said on “Six Tackles With Gus.” “That’s huge at this time of year, absolutely huge.”
Career Highlights and Legacy
Phil Gould’s career in rugby league is storied, spanning roles as a player, coach, and administrator. He began playing junior rugby for the Wentworthville Magpies before joining the Penrith Panthers in 1976. Gould later played for the Newtown Jets and Canterbury Bulldogs, with injuries eventually leading him to retire in 1986. His coaching career included successful stints with the Bulldogs, Penrith, and the Roosters, winning premierships with both the Bulldogs and Panthers.
As the head coach of New South Wales, Gould led the team to six State of Origin titles. His influence in the sport extends beyond the field, as he has been a prominent voice in rugby league commentary and analysis.
Recent Controversies
Earlier this year, Gould was involved in a heated exchange with league reporter Michael Chammas on Nine’s “100% Footy.” The debate centered around former Bulldogs star Lachlan Galvin’s exit from the club. Gould denied misleading the public about Galvin’s departure, asserting that his statements were truthful at the time.
“You go back and review everything I’ve said about Lachlan Galvin and what transpired and everything I said was 100 per cent the truth at the time,” Gould stated during the exchange.
As Gould continues to recover in the hospital, the rugby league community is hopeful for his swift recovery. His enduring influence on the sport, both on and off the field, remains significant as fans and colleagues await further updates on his health.
