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

"Too late Milky and if i wanted to set up arbitrages for the sake of it, you could literally do it all day long. I suspect that pattern is an aspect of your bannings. i.e. counting cards in your head at the blackjack table can cause same. Very unfair…"

"Harry Grant was dog shite last week, no chance he is ready for origin after 5 games when you have a 3 time premiership winner and the next best in Mahoney next in line."

Replies

- - - GRUNTA - Man of Golden Feathers > El patrón June 5, 2020 at 3:51am
      
      Nobody is interested in your Grinder links, Ecniv.
  - HKF > Muttman June 4, 2020 at 6:27pm
    
    What's funny about that is after BA spoke to all you fools he came to me and I said, "you pass, you score, you win", the rest is history.
    - Muttman > HKF June 4, 2020 at 7:03pm
      
      Haha
    - Eric The 17.78cm Eel > HKF June 5, 2020 at 9:05am
    - El patrón > 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.
Mick June 4, 2020 at 7:35pm

Typical Gus, loves taking some credit were he can

I'm a Gus fan, reading the tweet gave me a laugh

the great Goulding wrapping himself is no suprise love it! LOL
Johnny B Good June 4, 2020 at 11:36pm

When that cat looks in the mirror, he sees a lion.
GRUNTA - Man of Golden Feathers June 5, 2020 at 3:50am

Love the kick in the nuts to Norman. "They removed some problems ".

And yes I agree. Gould is the Trump of rugby league. He's that far up his own arse he's got two navels.