Phil Gould has issued a promising update after the Bulldogs boss and Channel 9 commentator was hospitalised this week due to serious health concerns. Channel 9 colleague Danny Weidler revealed the worrying news on social media on Wednesday night, sparking a flood of well-wishes from around the NRL world.
“Nine league expert and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has been in hospital since Monday and has some significant health concerns,” Weidler wrote. “Big couple of days for Gus. Spoke to him a short time ago and wishing him good health.”
Gould has been in hospital since Monday and was notably absent from Channel 9 program ‘100% Footy’ that night. He also didn’t feature on his regular ‘Six Tackles with Gus’ podcast on Wednesday, and his participation in Nine’s coverage of grand final day on Sunday is now up in the air.
Phil Gould in commentary for Channel 9 during a game in 2024. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Phil Gould speaks out after hospitalisation
On Thursday morning he issued an update on social media and thanked fans for the support. “Thank you to all the very kind well-wishers. Greatly appreciated,” he wrote. “Everything is ok. My regular blood tests this week, showed up something else that needed investigation.
“Basically, I came in to change the tyres, and they found a problem with the engine. Go figure. I’m lucky they found it early. The Doctors and Hospital staff have been simply amazing, but hopefully I’m going home soon. Looking forward to Grand Final Day. Best wishes to all. Thanks again.”
Canterbury chief executive Aaron Warburton had earlier said Gould was awaiting the results of heart tests and will undergo a few other tests while in hospital. “He’s had a few tests and will have a few more,” Warburton told the Daily Telegraph. “He’s in good spirits.”
Gould’s podcast co-host Mat Thompson revealed on Wednesday that Gus has been battling for a few weeks. “Over the last few weeks my man Gus has had some health issues unfortunately,” he said. “And viewers of 100% Footy would’ve seen he was absent from the show on Monday and unfortunately he can’t be with me this week either. Given it’s grand final, is a real shame.”
Phil Gould is one of the most influential figures in the NRL. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
NRL fans send well-wishes to Phil Gould
Gould has reportedly been carrying out his duties as the Bulldogs’ general manager from his hospital bed, sending emails and keeping himself up to date. The 67-year-old is one of the most influential figures in the NRL, through his work at both Channel 9 and Canterbury.
Since Gould became the Bulldogs’ general manager, the club has returned to their successful ways after a few years at the bottom of the ladder. They’ve made the finals in back-to-back years with ‘Gus’ at the helm, and finished the regular season in 2025 in third place.
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News of Gould’s hospitalisation emerged as the NRL’s Dally M medal night kicked off, with fellow Canterbury officials and captain Stephen Crichton at the gala event. Last month, Gould had his tenure at Canterbury extended until the end of 2031, with coach Cameron Ciraldo earning a similar extension.
Fans flooded social media on Wednesday night with message of support for Gus, rallying around the popular figure. One wrote: “I hope he’s ok, really good man.” Another commented: “Hope Phil Gould is okay, health always comes first.” A third added: “Speedy recovery to Gus.”
Phil Gould a successful player, coach and administrator
Gould played 103 first-grade games as a player across stints with Penrith, Newtown, Canterbury and Souths in the 70s and 80s. He coached the Bulldogs, Panthers and Roosters in the 80s and 90s, winning 170 out of a total 287 games coached (a 59 per cent winning record).
He also coached NSW in State of Origin across two separate stints (1992 to 1996 and 2002 to 2004), winning 14 of 24 games with one draw. He’s also held management roles at the Roosters, Panthers, Warriors and Bulldogs, and helped set up the Penrith pathways system that turned them into a premiership juggernaut.
Phil Gould and assistant Laurie Daley during the 2004 State of Origin series. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)