Phil Gould is a famous Australian rugby union player known for his varied career as a player, coach, commentator and administrator.
Over the years, Gould has been a key figure in rugby union, achieving notable success as a coach and commentator.
His rise to fame began during his coaching tenure, when he led teams to multiple premierships and State of Origin victories.
As a media personality, Gould’s outspoken and insightful comments have helped make him one of the most recognized voices in the sport.
His influence extends beyond the field. He has held key administrative roles, including his current position at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
File
- – Full name: Phillip Ronald Gould
- – Date of birth: January 24, 1958
- – Age: 66 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- – Nationality: Australian
- – Occupation: Rugby
- commentator, coach, administrator, former player
- – Height: None
- – Parents: None
- – Siblings: None
- – Spouse: June Gould
- – Children: None
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: White
- – Net worth: $15 million
Early life and education
Phil Gould was born on 24 January 1958 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Now 66, he grew up in a working-class family and developed a strong connection to rugby league from an early age.
Gould’s first steps into professional rugby came when he was drafted by the Penrith Panthers in 1976. He spent a few years playing in the lower grades before making his first-grade debut in 1979. His early playing years were marred by injuries, including a serious eye injury that sidelined him for part of his career.
Gould’s educational background is more widely discussed and details of his education are still to be made public. However, his early life revolved around rugby league, where he quickly became one of the youngest captains in the history of New South Wales rugby league.
Personal life
Phil Gould is married to June Gould, but the public knows very little about their relationship as they keep their personal lives private. The couple do not have a strong public presence when it comes to discussing their marriage or family life.
There is no public information about his children or their previous marriages or relationships. Despite his public profile, Gould has maintained a degree of privacy about his personal life, in contrast to the high-profile nature of his professional career.
Career
Phil Gould’s rugby career began as a player in the late 1970s, playing for clubs such as Penrith, Newtown, South Sydney and Canterbury. Although his playing career was somewhat limited by injury, Gould moved seamlessly into coaching, where he really made his mark.
He became the youngest coach to win a premiership when he led Canterbury to victory in 1988. He repeated that success with the Penrith Panthers in 1991, further cementing his reputation as a top coach.
Gould is also known for his contributions to the New South Wales State of Origin team, where he won multiple tournaments as coach, making him the most successful coach in the history of the competition.
In addition to his coaching career, Gould has also had a significant media career. He became a prominent rugby commentator and analyst for Channel 9, known for his strong opinions and extensive knowledge of the game.
He is currently the General Manager of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and has held similar administrative positions at other clubs, including Penrith. His work behind the scenes often involves rebuilding clubs and nurturing young talent.
Prize
- – TV Week Logie Award for Favourite Sports Commentator (2002, 2006, 2007, 2008)
- – Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to rugby union as a player, coach and administrator (2014)
Net worth
Phil Gould’s estimated net worth is around $15 million. This wealth comes from his various roles in rugby league, including his playing and coaching careers, a prominent commentary career with Channel 9 and administrative roles at clubs such as the Penrith Panthers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Argumentative
Phil Gould has been involved in many controversies throughout his long career, mainly related to his outspoken nature and willingness to voice strong opinions on various aspects of the game.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in 2024 when he was fined $20,000 by the NRL for on-air criticism during a Channel 9 broadcast. Gould criticised the way the rules of the game were administered, expressing frustration at the influence of non-players such as doctors and lawyers in the decision-making process.
His outspoken comments – when he accused the NRL of “ruining the game” – led to the fine, sparking considerable media discussion about his role as a commentator and his influence on public perception of the game.
This is not the first time Gould has been embroiled in controversy. As a coach and commentator, his views have often divided fans throughout his career.
Whether it’s his halftime speeches during his coaching years or his current commentary, Gould’s ability to stir up controversy is well-known. He has faced criticism for his sometimes abrasive style, but supporters say his insights are invaluable to the sport.
His 2011 comments on poker machine reform also caused a stir when he publicly criticised then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard, calling her “the worst prime minister in Australian history” over proposed gambling regulations.
Despite the Australian Communications and Media Authority ruling that it was not political commentary, it led to complaints. Despite the controversy, Gould has maintained a strong presence in the rugby world, with his influence remaining significant.
Social media
