Phil Gould reveals he spoke with Brad Arthur post-2018 disaster

Phil Gould is often referred to by Denis Carnahan as the man who thinks he invented rugby league.

Across a career spanning close to five decades Gould has gone from player, to coach, to administrator and media pundit.

Gould often draws criticism for his polarising viewpoints, this columnist is no exception.

And while his opinions on referees, the administration and rules can be tiring and seemingly out of touch at times, Gould remains one of the foremost voice when it comes to coaching.

A successful club and Origin coach, Gould is still widely regarded for his insight into the way the game is played.

Following Parramatta's disastrous 2018 season, Eels coach Brad Arthur spoke with Gould.

Brad came to see me after the season where they ran last. I’ve never seen a more dejected man. But he had a determination about him that wouldn’t be denied. I was very confident about him. I simply told him he was on the right track and he wasn’t far away. He’s done a great job. https://t.co/Ryj8Bglpk5
— PhilGould15 (@PhilGould15) June 4, 2020

Gould said the club identified many of its issues from 2018 and changed them without ripping the soul from the club. The Eels had faced enough turmoil in the decade since Brian Smith left that tearing everything down to start again could well have resulted in yet more pain.

They fixed their issues. They fixed recruitment and development. They removed some problems. They didn’t throw everything out because not everything was broken. It just hadn’t kicked in yet. Sometimes you are closer than you think. https://t.co/kEbs1Fhciq
— PhilGould15 (@PhilGould15) June 4, 2020

"We’ll probably just have to agree to disagree, Bluey. Your intentions are noble. But, for me, having a chat with NAS (just like 6–7 other clubs did) and not even offering a contract (he’s moved on from the NRL emotionally) doesn’t really qualify as…"

Replies

- - - Eric The 17.78cm Eel > HKF June 5, 2020 at 9:05am
    - El patrón MDV > HKF June 6, 2020 at 4:11pm
      
      lol
Kenny Power June 4, 2020 at 5:52pm

I actually saw Fongy speak to him before all of you
- Mitchy > Kenny Power June 4, 2020 at 6:24pm
  
  I also saw the Parra Jesus talk with him prior to this. Following this the Jesus and BA walked across the Parra river....and into the 2019 pre-season.
Johnny B Good June 4, 2020 at 11:36pm

When that cat looks in the mirror, he sees a lion.
Brett Allen June 5, 2020 at 4:12pm

I'm sorry, what part of what Gus said there is he taking any credit ?

Just asking ....

If I'm a coach and my team just ran last, Gus would be the first person I'd call to get his take on it. What he doesn't know about the game and the people in the game isn't worth knowing.
wazzamatta June 6, 2020 at 4:19pm

The only good advice to be given at that point was dump Harvey Norman. If that wasn’t his advice then he had no good advice to give.