Canterbury, NSW – April 5, 2025
In a bombshell move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have officially parted ways with General Manager of Football, Phil Gould. The announcement was made early Saturday morning via an official club statement, confirming what many insiders had suspected for weeks — that the relationship between Gould and the Bulldogs board had become untenable.
This decision marks the end of a controversial yet influential tenure that saw Gould, widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable figures in rugby league, attempt to rebuild the club from the ground up. The dismissal comes at a critical time for the Bulldogs, who are still grappling with years of underperformance and organizational instability.
A Turbulent Tenure
Phil Gould was appointed as General Manager of Football in 2021 amid high hopes that his strategic expertise and deep understanding of the game would usher in a new era of success for the struggling Bulldogs. With a strong résumé that included successful stints at the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters — as well as a reputation as a master architect of junior pathways — Gould’s hiring was widely praised.
In the early stages of his time with the Bulldogs, Gould was vocal about initiating a long-term rebuild, which included the revamping of junior development systems, overhauling player recruitment, and investing in modern facilities. He played a key role in securing high-profile signings such as Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, and Viliame Kikau — all of whom were expected to bring much-needed spark and leadership.
However, despite his efforts, the club failed to significantly improve its position on the ladder. While there were flashes of brilliance in the past few seasons, consistency remained elusive. Tensions reportedly grew behind closed doors between Gould and members of the club’s executive board, especially around coaching decisions, salary cap management, and long-term planning.
The Final Straw
Although the Bulldogs’ public statement remained diplomatic, sources close to the club revealed that the decision to dismiss Gould was not made overnight. Reports indicate that friction had escalated over recent weeks due to disagreements about the direction of the club, the pace of progress, and accountability for poor on-field results.
An anonymous source within the club said:
“There was a disconnect between Phil’s vision and the expectations from the board. There were growing frustrations on both sides, and eventually, it reached a point where continuing the partnership just wasn’t feasible anymore.”
It’s also believed that Gould’s increasingly hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations, including coaching matters, created unease among coaching staff and players. Some saw it as undermining the authority of the head coach, while others felt it blurred the lines between football operations and governance.
Reactions Pour In
The NRL community has been quick to respond to the news, with reactions ranging from surprise to concern about the future of the Bulldogs.
Former Bulldogs legend and current Fox League analyst Steve Mortimer commented:
“This is a massive decision. Phil Gould is one of the smartest minds in the game. If the club couldn’t make it work with him, you have to start questioning whether deeper issues are at play.”
On social media, fans were divided. While some expressed disappointment over yet another leadership shake-up, others argued that the results under Gould’s guidance did not meet expectations and a fresh start was necessary.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“We’ve tried everything. Maybe it’s time to stop looking for saviors and start focusing on accountability and culture. Sad to see Gould go, but results speak.”
Another supporter, more critical of the move, said:
“Phil Gould brought a vision. The board didn’t have the patience. Watch us go back to square one now.”
What’s Next for the Bulldogs?
The Bulldogs now face a monumental task: finding a replacement capable of stabilizing the club and continuing the development programs Gould initiated. Names like Shane Richardson and Brian Canavan have already been floated as possible successors, but the club has yet to comment on its shortlist.
Chairman John Khoury spoke briefly at a press conference:
“We thank Phil for his service and dedication. This decision was made in the best interest of the club’s future. Our priority now is ensuring a smooth transition and focusing on our core objectives moving forward.”
The timing of the dismissal also raises questions about the immediate future of head coach Cameron Ciraldo, who was handpicked by Gould and is considered one of his most significant legacies. Ciraldo’s contract runs through 2027, but without Gould’s support, his position may now be more vulnerable.
What’s Next for Phil Gould?
For Gould, the end of this chapter does not necessarily spell retirement. At 66 years old, he remains one of the most respected and polarizing figures in the sport. He is expected to return to media duties with Channel Nine and continue hosting his popular rugby league podcast, Six Tackles with Gus.
However, don’t be surprised if another NRL club comes knocking. His experience, connections, and ability to think strategically about the game still hold significant appeal — especially for clubs undergoing transition or facing structural challenges.
Gould has yet to release a personal statement but is expected to address the matter publicly in the coming days. Those familiar with his character suggest he will leave with his head held high.
A Club in Search of Identity
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, one of the most storied franchises in NRL history, are now at a crossroads. Since their last premiership in 2004, the club has endured a revolving door of coaches, administrators, and players, all while chasing a return to former glory.
Phil Gould was seen as the man who could orchestrate that return. His sudden exit now forces the club to rethink its direction yet again — this time with its fan base growing increasingly impatient and disillusioned.
Whether the Bulldogs can rise from this latest setback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the sacking of Phil Gould will be remembered as one of the most consequential moves in the club’s recent history.
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