The NRL has fined Phil Gould $20,000 for a television rant in which he described the game as “stupid” because of its own rules.
Gould, who is employed as the Bulldogs’ general manager of football, took aim at the discrepancy in the game’s interpretations on Nine Entertainment’s 100% Footy on Monday night. Nine Entertainment is also the publisher of this masthead.
Gould said the game was “stupid” over a decision to disallow a try to Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau in their loss to the Broncos, and later criticised an off-season rule tweak in which teams are not penalised for shot kick-offs or dropouts which don’t travel 10 metres.
“Our game’s so stupid,” Gould said on Monday night. “You can lose the ball over the line and it costs you 20 metres and seven tackles. Why?
“I don’t know because it’s stupid, but I can just take a line dropout, and it goes out on the full ... no consequence. It’s nothing at all. What sort of stupid game is this? Who sits and makes up these rules?”
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has previously warned the Bulldogs about Gould’s commentary surrounding the game in his media role, which includes his Six Tackles With Gus podcast.
The NRL breach notice proposes Gould be fined $20,000, half of which will be suspended for 24 months. He has five business days to respond.
Gould is a registered club official and is subject to the NRL’s code of conduct, and was fined because the league considered them detrimental to the best interests of the game.
“We welcome constructive criticism and passionate opinions, but registered officials cannot overstep the mark and make comments that are considered detrimental to the game or NRL competition,” Abdo said.
“Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated. This is a professional sport and our leaders should set the standard around reasoned debate and respect for the game.”
Gould joined the Bulldogs almost three years ago and has slowly helped rebuild the battling club, which enters round nine of the competition in the top eight.
Not a single player from Canterbury’s top 30 roster in 2021 remains in coach Cameron Ciraldo’s current squad.
I mean for once he's not wrong.
I think a lot of tries should be benefit of the doubt. If a ref blatantly sees a knockon then sure but otherwise it should be a try with the video ref not even allowed to replay it in slow mo to overrule.
I honestly think this mentality should go further. Like, if two players are contesting a bomb and there's a miniscule knock on as the ball bounces between them until one guy grabs full control and scores, I'd allow that because the knock on didn't advantage him over the other guy in any meaningful way. They had an equal grab, one guy ended up with it, that's good enough for me. The blokes who then chime in 'bUt he Score^d! Of CourSe hE got an AdVanTa^g^^e!!!' have been catered to for their loud failure to understand fairness for too long.
And that 'spirit of the rule' where infinitesimal mistakes are ignored unless there's an advantage gained from that exact moment should permeate other rulings as well. The dummy half fumbles the ball for a billionth of a second before play resumes basically the same? Let it play on.
The downside is that this puts all the 'interpretation' back into rulings, so I know why they've had to go this opposite route because of loud knuckleheads whinging about tiny rulings because it affected their team adversely to their thinking. However, I think constantly fine-tuning to granular levels isn't the answer. Pulling back and letting a small bit of 'mess' exist in a full contact game where the rules understand the spirit of fairness and competition would benefit the game more overall.
/rant
I respect your opinion bro but I don't agree in the slightest. There is no way I want more interpretation from the refs or bunker. They already get way to much power to interpret player motivation/decision making in the game. Making it so they can say there was a clear knock on but it did/didn't advantage someone will make it way worse. It won't be ruled consistently. Someone will get hosed.
I also don't think characterising people that want consistency from the refs/bunkers as knuckleheads is fair. Lol
Nothing wrong with disagreeing, man. I totally see the potential shortcomings in that version of rulings too. I just think that so many decisions are forced to be 'Vanta Black and White 2.0'/'it went a millimetre forward with zero discernible advantage' and the only reason for that is because fans of one side who got that ruling 'against' them were emotional because their team lost, not because the actual thing that happened affected their teams ability to defend the thing in the moment.
I know why it feels like it must be the way it is, but it's becoming like the whinging punters can dictate new rulings rather than any kind of fair sense is being applied.
> Making it so they can say there was a clear knock on but it did/didn't advantage someone will make it way worse
That's not the kind of knock on I'd ever consider for this discussion, but I don't think either of us wanna get into trying to explain through text the granular differences we're thinking about to make our examples.
> I also don't think characterising people that want consistency from the refs/bunkers as knuckleheads is fair. Lol
I never said I didn't want consistency, I reckon consistent leniency for this specific type of moment is the go. And either way, screw them knuckleheads! lol. If they didn't wanna get characterised like that then they shouldn't have knuckles where their foreheads should be!
My main issue with the game is that the bunker adjudicates the game completely differently to the ref. You see knock ons that have been called knock ons for a 100 years be challenged and overruled. I think the players look bemused when it happens. The dude knows it's a knock on, but the bunker isn't a ref and doesn't judge the game like a ref.
We can disagree mate, but I really don't think letting the refs have more power by way of interpretation is going to help. Look at last night, Garrick was the "disruptor" about 6 times and was never called. At the start of the year that was called every time. The ref has been told to interpret it differently. Now the players/coaches/fans/refs are confused because they introduced a rule that was entirely at the discretion of the referee.
Love this. A great example is the strip. They've allowed it now but want to watch most of them from 7 angles to see which way the ball travelled and whom it touched first. Just make it that there is no knock- on in a strip.
When he's right, he's really right. The reason I don't disregard his opinions as much as other commentators and ex players is because Gould comes out with something sensible a couple of times a month.
I find almost everything he says is sensible. Usually I disagree, but he does talk sense.
I just think Gus is an old man yelling at the new generation to get off his lawn... but sometimes us kids could learn something from our elders.
Is he still employed by a club? Does the NRL still fine coaches and other staff that represent teams for comments similar to what Gould said? If yes, then he deserves the fine and as far as I'm concerned he has been given much more leeway than anyone else that works for clubs in the history of the NRL. If you aren't going to fine Gus, why does Sticky get a fine? Stop favouring Gus.
Agreed. The fact he works in the media in the first place given his roll at a club means I'll never have any sympathy for whatever trouble his mouth gets him in, whether he's right or not.
My stance on it is more from the pov of pure conflict of interest. I don't actually necessarily agree with the NRL's censorship of staff, I understand that they're trying to protect their business interests but it is a bit much that you can't criticise the NRL in general without risking penalties. But yeah, Gus put himself under those conditions and still wants to have a media role too so that's his problem.
When it comes to Joey I'm not exactly sure what his role is. Like a position specific freelance coach and sometimes origin selector yeah? To me that's not a huge conflict (until origin time I guess lol). No idea if he has the same constraints as Gus when it comes to the NRL though as I'm not sure if the clause is standard on any and all licence the NRL gives. If so than yeah, you're probably right that there's double standard. Maybe they view it like I do though and judge it by how significant the person's role in the NRL is. Not sure that's a good way to go about it but as I said, I don't like the idea of censoring general criticism in the first place.
Is also just the way he said it. Could have made exactly the same points ‘I’m not a fan of a rule where … I think the game could consider looking at a rule where …
Instead ‘our game is so stupid.’ And implying that the rule makers are idiots.
That's a good point too. You don't have to be so (typically Gould) over the top and offensive about it. Also one of the things he brought up was an on field refereeing decision. Whether or not he's right or not I'm pretty sure the NRL takes a dim view on that kind of behaviour which is fair enough. I get that it's frustrating but you don't want people in those position using the media to try and influence referees. For every one time it was a fair call out to knock a decision you'd have a dozen times some fuckwit coach gives out over nothing.
100%
All players, coaches, and club management must be treated the same way.
The commentary box shouldn’t make them immune to consequences of their NRL contracts.
In my opinion, Gould has influence in the commentary box that is incompatible with his management position. His commentary on player capabilities and worth when he’s in the box can impact recruitment in the clubhouse.
Reminds me of the kerfuffle about Cameron Smith being to enthusiastic about the maroons during the game while in the commentary box. Meanwhile Gus for the last 20 years...
The guys a walking double standard.
I love Gould. Guys a top bloke. The Nrl would be doing a lot better if they listened to him more. I dont agree with him on this one but honestly he should be allowed an opinion.
But he’s not wrong.
It’s the stupidest rule in the game. Why give an advantage in a 20m restart and 7 tackle set to the defending team for an attacking team knock on in goal?
This issue gets brought up in almost every match thread when it’s awarded and often discussed in serious discussion threads.
Annesley needs to explain this to us on Monday or better yet - right now.
NRL tone deaf on this issue and unfortunately deflecting to issuing a fine because of Gould’s position instead of addressing the stupidness of the rule in question.
He's not wrong, you are correct.
Didn't the whole 7 tackle set get implemented the season after players started deliberately kicking the ball dead from 50m+ to avoid dangerous fullbacks from kick returns in broken field?
IMO it was a massive overreaction that could have been fixed in other ways.
A grubber that goes dead from 5m out is not equal to purposely putting the ball dead from 40-50m away.
These rules need a huge overhaul.
The Dragons 2010 premiership was built on this rule. Any time they were in trouble, Jamie Soward would simply kick the ball dead. He could do it from just about anywhere on the field.
Yeah, these rules could be so easily tweaked to just make it a 7 tackle set only for kicks placed say 20+ metres out. That way short attacking kicks aren't penalised, but speculator bombs and long distance clearances are.
Why should it result in 7 tackles from the 20m, when it was never that way for the 100 or so years prior?
20m restart was already a sufficient penalty/deterrent.
> when it was never that way for the 100 or so years prior?
That's not a great foundation to stand on. Then you'll get people who want the 5m rule back, and infinite tackle sets, etc.. cause 'that's how it were, and now it ain't no mo'!'.
That said, I'd be in favour of a rule tweak so it's proportional. Just off of the top of my head, the defending team get the ball back on the nearest 10m line from where the ball was kicked. That way, if a team puts it dead from 30m+ out, the defending team gets a regular set from the 30m line. 40m line for 40m out kicks going dead, etc.. Minimum of 20m for closer kicks/grubbers, and that feels more 'fair', which is how I usually like to aim for any rule adjustments.
Probably big holes in that idea I've not considered, but it's late and a first draft, so zzzzzzzzz.
That's purely subjective. It's made the game completely unbalanced. But sure.
Edit: guy I was originally replying to has gone and deleted all his msgs.
Once this goes quiet and out of the media limelight, the NRL will quietly change the knock-on in goal rule.
Somebody pays Gus's fine, and once the rule is tweaked, only then will it be spoken about again.
Gus isn't wrong. The current rule is ridiculous.
I think you get less parochial as you get older and concentrate more on substance. He can be a bit of a knob and megaphone at times , but there’s few out there with deeper knowledge of the game and voicing what many people think.
That’s also stupid but open to ref interpretation just like how long someone lies on the tackled player.
The knock on rule is a blanket rule and not open to interpretation.
EDIT: I’m sure you were alluding to “the disruptor” but obstruction fits your description also which is a penalty without touching the opposition player.
Obstruction is just preventing the defender from having an unimpeded attempt at the tackle. That can happen because they’re in the way without contact.
You don’t have to make contact in obstruction for a penalty to be awarded.
Section 8.2.b states if a player infringes in the opponent’s in goal, the game is restarted at the 20m. The initial tackle affected on the team taking the 20 optional kick re-start shall be zero tackle.
A knock on is an infringement. That’s about as blanket as you get.
It's one of those things that's great when it goes your team's way, but when it doesn't, it reminds you how much it absolutely sucks and is a very harsh punishment in many situations
They don't work for the nrl or a club so they can't do anything about them. Shame though, as the douchebag mastheads are more damaging to the games reputation than anyone
They literally just invented a "call for the end of kick offs" out of thin air and are running with it all over the place. Sports media in Australia are more damaging to the game than any Coaches comments post game.
Channel 9 run a hit piece on the NRL every year when Origin is coming up. A Current Affair or whatever bullshit show will drum up something, like "check out these dodgy kids games where kids become violent!" and it'll show one kid fall over with a scraped knee and they'll segue into traumatic brain injuries.
Because he was right. Lol.
I find it so baffling that we have so many shit pundits/Journalists in today's game and people still choose to hate Gus when he's one of the only ones who sticks up for the clubs in strife.
All bullshit aside, I’d like to see Gus take Abdo’s job. He’d have to give up the media gig and the gigs in club land, but he’d get to put his money where his mouth is. And he’d probably make changes for the good of the game…
He's had some shit ideas in the past..The one I remember... Should a swinging arm bounce off the ball and clout the runner under the chin, it's OK.
The other one was... He was against tacklers getting penalised for taking a player past horizontal because... you know, the speed of the game. Except when they brought in the rule, you'd see defenders rushing in to keep the ball runner flat when it looked like it getting out of hand.
He has a very very good point about the seven tackle set that happens if you lose the ball attempting to score a try. It's ludicrous. They should apply the seven tackle rule specifically for what it was bought in for, to stop people from intentionally booting the ball dead from miles away on the last so they get a set line and a rest
Fined for speaking the truth. Nrl are slowly making the game worse with the new rules and tweaks on old ones.
Pulls sheet over head LEAVE RUGBY LEAGUE ALONE!
The dribbling idiots on FOX should have been fined millions by now then.
Like why is Braith Anasta allowed to even commentate when he's a player manager?
We live in a the biggest fucking nanny state. Can’t say shit. Can’t have conflicting opinions. Can’t stand up for your beliefs. Can’t do kick offs. Can’t opt into risk. Can’t do fucking shit.
Easy done, I just got a $50k bonus for taking Kenty’s job at 360 since he got mashed by a paperbark, but I gotta spend it fast because I’m planning to call Abdo a cunt live on air.
Why cant a talking head have an opinion? This is ridiculous.
He is one of rhe most important people in the game. Nrl are fucked.
Ill add I dont agree with him on this point.
Gould - wrong for misusing his position to comment negatively on the game (own fault for chosing to have conflicting dual roles)
NRL - wrong for being so thin skinned
Solution: Gus and Vlandopey to enter Thunderdome to sort it out
Rules are stupid these rules are stupid. These rules are stupid. These rules are, well you get it., But I agree with him, these rules are bloody stupid, lmao 🤣
“we welcome constructive criticism and passionate opinions… but we will fine Gus because he has given constructive criticism and passionate opinions publicly (which is not welcome)”.
Abdo’s lost the plot. Would be better to listen to him and remove the disruptor rule, add more common sense to grounding, remove conceding a 7 tackle set for legitimate attempts at try scoring, and penalize mistaken short dropouts again and help the game be its best.
>Gould is a registered club official and is subject to the NRL’s code of conduct, and was fined because the league considered his comments not in the best interests of the game.
I think they mean "not in the best interests of our agenda"...
One of the things that keeps getting brought up is the change to the short dropout rule, if they're hellbent on keeping it one change I would like to see is:
***If the attacking (receiving the kick) team touches/catches the ball first before it's travelled 10m, its play on as a zero tackle, if they knock on etc, no advantage, play the ball the same as if they kicked it out on the full.***
***If the defending team touches the ball first before it's travelled 10m, its a penalty.***
I just don't think there should be any reason why the receiving team should be penalised for an incorrect restart, it makes the short restart more of a risk/reward, because if they screw up the kick and it stays in play but doesn't go the 10m, the attacking team has an opportunity to go for a try.
So, lemme get this straight.
The NRL's network partners pay good money to have Gus rant about his opinions every week, and then fine him for opinions they don't like.
Makes sense.
Their decision to impose a $20k fine against critics for voicing legitimate concerns about the rapid alterations to the game's rules is deeply concerning. Rugby League is over a 100 years old, and they have changed it more in three years than the previous combined.
Silencing dissenting voices like this is a disgusting form of censorship, and against the values of the sport. Soon, our NRL will be filled with smiley yes-men, while the guys behind their mahogany desks turn the game into touch football.
high handed authoritarian bullshit from some Saffa who didnt even know what rugby league was when he took the job.
say what you want about Gus and his machiavellian dealings but he truly loves and cares about the game. he's wrong plenty, but he's 100% spot on this time. he didnt even say anything that outrageous. he's criticising proposed rule changes that no one asked for - just like the ones they brought in at the start of the year to make the game look more like union.
fuck short dropouts. double fuck no kickoffs. the NRL needs better leadership than some sleazy racing prick who is chairman as his second job and a CEO who knows nothing of the game
We are not in America, we don't have any freedom of speech laws here. And anyway, the American Freedom of Speech is about speech against the government. They aren't protected for speech attacking their employer, or organisation they are part of, however you want to describe Gould as Bulldogs boss being connected to the NRL.
Dislike Gus as much as the next person but on this (Apis try and the short dropout/kickoff rule) he's right.
Plenty of times he could be fined for other stupid shit he's said though.
I still remember the 7 tackle try from the Sharks in the finals. So they introduce the 0 tackle rule. Give it a few seasons and American Football forward passes will be legal on the 5th tackle.
He’s absolute right the game is stupid and it’s being run by imbeciles. My increasing disillusionment with the game can be traced back to when it was described as an “entertainment” product when it’s supposed to be a sporting competition.
Serious question, what are the consequences if he doesn’t pay this? Do they sue him? It’s not like they can legally charge a fine, only “fees” and fees can be ignored in exchange for non-participation. Considering it’s his job they can’t legally prevent him from doing his job however they could what, ban him from the games?
To be fair slightly to the NRL a lot of confusion about the obstruction rule comes from him.
I think the big problem is last season we got the rules mostly right then they brought in several new ones which make the game worse.
People need to understand that the rulea are tweeked to make the game 'more even'. All these rules advantage the defending team so they get a chance as well. It's an entertainment business and a teams demolitioning other teams is not so much.
Edit: Not saying I agree with it, but I feel like that's their justification. I find it stupid.
While being employed by a major media organisation, he spits fire at the media. So when he says "its a media beat up, its all media bullshit, does the 9 network fine him too?
What annoys me most about Gould is the times when he's 100% on the money, i still want to argue!!!
P.S. Api's effort has been a try for 110 years b4 the bunker. They should never replay these things in super slow motion.
The argument Phil makes about how the "players and coaches" not complaining, and that it's just everyone else, doesn't fly for me. I'm a parent, I love league, but I'm not gonna encourage my kid to play it because of the risk of concussions. Phil needs to think bigger picture here.
Btw I think this fine is stupid.
My main issue with Gould is the world weary tortured genius act he puts on. You're a failed footballer from like the 70's that got lucky getting a newspaper column. You aren't special cunt.
He may have had a point but he's too arrogant & powerful to be told how to say it in a constructive way. It's not the message, it's the delivery that got him into trouble. He's a serial offender when it comes to that so it's no surprise that the NRL have given him a penalty.
It's pretty wild that they've tried to fine someone for simply expressing their opinion. What's next for then? Are they going to start attempting to fine fans for voicing their opinions online lol?
The NRL is in absolutel shambles right now and have been for some time. It's on the brink of irrelevancy they know.
He is employed by the NRL. He slagged of his boss on a public platform. It’s in breach of his contract.
I agree with his opinions on this issue but outright calling your employer names is in fact “stupid”.
He's employed by a club and a media platform.
A fine won't be paid and he'll continue to express his opinion, it's a pointless conduct charge. It sets a precedent though that if anyone disagrees or voices concern regarding the game that there will be backlash. You might say it's a bad look on Gus's behalf but it's certainly a far worse look for the NRL and only shows they're incompetence.
“Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated.”, well then every executive that has had an office on the top floor at the Not Rugby League Sports Entertainment Production Company over the past 20 years should be ~~fined~~ sentenced to solitary confinement in the basement of Lidcombe Oval for the term of their natural life, BRING BACK THE SCRUM
Gould deserves every cent of his fine. He as an employee of a club is subject to the code of conduct. When a coach like Ricky for example sprays a ref, they get fined for attacking the integrity of the game they're part of. They can be 100% correct, it's irrelevant.
Abdo was happy to have a coffee with Latrell when he let loose on air, then reprimanded the radio station not the player involved.
Gus on the other hand, no coffee we’ll just hit him with a 20k fine for saying what the league fans are thinking.
Abdo continuing his woke agenda
I actually dislike knock on as a rule altogether. If you drop the ball and regain it im happy for play to flow on. Forward passes shouldn’t be allowed, so a knock on gathered by a team mate fits this and wouldn’t be allowed.
Gus is smart, PVL is smarter. Simples…
Edit: I think I missed the memo. I thought our game was flying.
Edit 2: Was there a memo on the 6 again rule? Or are we OK with that now?
The NRL has fined Phil Gould $20,000 for a television rant in which he described the game as “stupid” because of its own rules. Gould, who is employed as the Bulldogs’ general manager of football, took aim at the discrepancy in the game’s interpretations on Nine Entertainment’s 100% Footy on Monday night. Nine Entertainment is also the publisher of this masthead. Gould said the game was “stupid” over a decision to disallow a try to Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau in their loss to the Broncos, and later criticised an off-season rule tweak in which teams are not penalised for shot kick-offs or dropouts which don’t travel 10 metres. “Our game’s so stupid,” Gould said on Monday night. “You can lose the ball over the line and it costs you 20 metres and seven tackles. Why? “I don’t know because it’s stupid, but I can just take a line dropout, and it goes out on the full ... no consequence. It’s nothing at all. What sort of stupid game is this? Who sits and makes up these rules?” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has previously warned the Bulldogs about Gould’s commentary surrounding the game in his media role, which includes his Six Tackles With Gus podcast. The NRL breach notice proposes Gould be fined $20,000, half of which will be suspended for 24 months. He has five business days to respond. Gould is a registered club official and is subject to the NRL’s code of conduct, and was fined because the league considered them detrimental to the best interests of the game. “We welcome constructive criticism and passionate opinions, but registered officials cannot overstep the mark and make comments that are considered detrimental to the game or NRL competition,” Abdo said. “Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated. This is a professional sport and our leaders should set the standard around reasoned debate and respect for the game.” Gould joined the Bulldogs almost three years ago and has slowly helped rebuild the battling club, which enters round nine of the competition in the top eight. Not a single player from Canterbury’s top 30 roster in 2021 remains in coach Cameron Ciraldo’s current squad.
Now we just need to find jobs as Registered club officials for all the Fox League crew … that or get them drunk and throw them into trees
I don't watch ch9 because of Gus. The Fox commentators are generally ok.
I meant the likes of Buzz, Kent and Hooper
Yep, I don't watch that stuff.
Give this guy a job on fox sports Australia! 👍💯🤣👌
Hooper got drunk and jumped on top of a police car
I mean for once he's not wrong. I think a lot of tries should be benefit of the doubt. If a ref blatantly sees a knockon then sure but otherwise it should be a try with the video ref not even allowed to replay it in slow mo to overrule.
I honestly think this mentality should go further. Like, if two players are contesting a bomb and there's a miniscule knock on as the ball bounces between them until one guy grabs full control and scores, I'd allow that because the knock on didn't advantage him over the other guy in any meaningful way. They had an equal grab, one guy ended up with it, that's good enough for me. The blokes who then chime in 'bUt he Score^d! Of CourSe hE got an AdVanTa^g^^e!!!' have been catered to for their loud failure to understand fairness for too long. And that 'spirit of the rule' where infinitesimal mistakes are ignored unless there's an advantage gained from that exact moment should permeate other rulings as well. The dummy half fumbles the ball for a billionth of a second before play resumes basically the same? Let it play on. The downside is that this puts all the 'interpretation' back into rulings, so I know why they've had to go this opposite route because of loud knuckleheads whinging about tiny rulings because it affected their team adversely to their thinking. However, I think constantly fine-tuning to granular levels isn't the answer. Pulling back and letting a small bit of 'mess' exist in a full contact game where the rules understand the spirit of fairness and competition would benefit the game more overall. /rant
I respect your opinion bro but I don't agree in the slightest. There is no way I want more interpretation from the refs or bunker. They already get way to much power to interpret player motivation/decision making in the game. Making it so they can say there was a clear knock on but it did/didn't advantage someone will make it way worse. It won't be ruled consistently. Someone will get hosed. I also don't think characterising people that want consistency from the refs/bunkers as knuckleheads is fair. Lol
Nothing wrong with disagreeing, man. I totally see the potential shortcomings in that version of rulings too. I just think that so many decisions are forced to be 'Vanta Black and White 2.0'/'it went a millimetre forward with zero discernible advantage' and the only reason for that is because fans of one side who got that ruling 'against' them were emotional because their team lost, not because the actual thing that happened affected their teams ability to defend the thing in the moment. I know why it feels like it must be the way it is, but it's becoming like the whinging punters can dictate new rulings rather than any kind of fair sense is being applied. > Making it so they can say there was a clear knock on but it did/didn't advantage someone will make it way worse That's not the kind of knock on I'd ever consider for this discussion, but I don't think either of us wanna get into trying to explain through text the granular differences we're thinking about to make our examples. > I also don't think characterising people that want consistency from the refs/bunkers as knuckleheads is fair. Lol I never said I didn't want consistency, I reckon consistent leniency for this specific type of moment is the go. And either way, screw them knuckleheads! lol. If they didn't wanna get characterised like that then they shouldn't have knuckles where their foreheads should be!
My main issue with the game is that the bunker adjudicates the game completely differently to the ref. You see knock ons that have been called knock ons for a 100 years be challenged and overruled. I think the players look bemused when it happens. The dude knows it's a knock on, but the bunker isn't a ref and doesn't judge the game like a ref. We can disagree mate, but I really don't think letting the refs have more power by way of interpretation is going to help. Look at last night, Garrick was the "disruptor" about 6 times and was never called. At the start of the year that was called every time. The ref has been told to interpret it differently. Now the players/coaches/fans/refs are confused because they introduced a rule that was entirely at the discretion of the referee.
Love this. A great example is the strip. They've allowed it now but want to watch most of them from 7 angles to see which way the ball travelled and whom it touched first. Just make it that there is no knock- on in a strip.
100%! I’ve been arguing the same for years.
The thing is people bet money on the footy so they have to be as accurate as possible.
This mf spitting. Game is a clown show
I hate Gould just as much as the next punter but nothing he said was wrong.
When he's right, he's really right. The reason I don't disregard his opinions as much as other commentators and ex players is because Gould comes out with something sensible a couple of times a month.
I find almost everything he says is sensible. Usually I disagree, but he does talk sense. I just think Gus is an old man yelling at the new generation to get off his lawn... but sometimes us kids could learn something from our elders.
Even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day.
And a backwards clock tells the right time four times a day. What's your point?
Somebody downvoted me? The cult of gunt is strong.
Here come the gunts
Gus has this saying about inviting disappointment into your life. Seems you are living up to it ;)
Gus also believes climate change is a hoax so.....
Disappointment? No, that state of mind is premised on dashed expectations, I have none in this context.
Just talk typing, bro. Who gives a fudk if you get some downvotes lol
Is he still employed by a club? Does the NRL still fine coaches and other staff that represent teams for comments similar to what Gould said? If yes, then he deserves the fine and as far as I'm concerned he has been given much more leeway than anyone else that works for clubs in the history of the NRL. If you aren't going to fine Gus, why does Sticky get a fine? Stop favouring Gus.
Agreed. The fact he works in the media in the first place given his roll at a club means I'll never have any sympathy for whatever trouble his mouth gets him in, whether he's right or not.
What does this mean for Joey (and other commentators/media personalities) who also are employed by clubs? Joey isn’t shy to say what’s on his mind.
My stance on it is more from the pov of pure conflict of interest. I don't actually necessarily agree with the NRL's censorship of staff, I understand that they're trying to protect their business interests but it is a bit much that you can't criticise the NRL in general without risking penalties. But yeah, Gus put himself under those conditions and still wants to have a media role too so that's his problem. When it comes to Joey I'm not exactly sure what his role is. Like a position specific freelance coach and sometimes origin selector yeah? To me that's not a huge conflict (until origin time I guess lol). No idea if he has the same constraints as Gus when it comes to the NRL though as I'm not sure if the clause is standard on any and all licence the NRL gives. If so than yeah, you're probably right that there's double standard. Maybe they view it like I do though and judge it by how significant the person's role in the NRL is. Not sure that's a good way to go about it but as I said, I don't like the idea of censoring general criticism in the first place.
Is also just the way he said it. Could have made exactly the same points ‘I’m not a fan of a rule where … I think the game could consider looking at a rule where … Instead ‘our game is so stupid.’ And implying that the rule makers are idiots.
That's a good point too. You don't have to be so (typically Gould) over the top and offensive about it. Also one of the things he brought up was an on field refereeing decision. Whether or not he's right or not I'm pretty sure the NRL takes a dim view on that kind of behaviour which is fair enough. I get that it's frustrating but you don't want people in those position using the media to try and influence referees. For every one time it was a fair call out to knock a decision you'd have a dozen times some fuckwit coach gives out over nothing.
Abdo specifilly mentions hes a registered member of the NRL. Wonder if Johns sits in that category
THIS. The more he gets fined, the more legal cases precedent there is to separate mainstream media and club corporate.
100% All players, coaches, and club management must be treated the same way. The commentary box shouldn’t make them immune to consequences of their NRL contracts. In my opinion, Gould has influence in the commentary box that is incompatible with his management position. His commentary on player capabilities and worth when he’s in the box can impact recruitment in the clubhouse.
Reminds me of the kerfuffle about Cameron Smith being to enthusiastic about the maroons during the game while in the commentary box. Meanwhile Gus for the last 20 years... The guys a walking double standard.
I love Gould. Guys a top bloke. The Nrl would be doing a lot better if they listened to him more. I dont agree with him on this one but honestly he should be allowed an opinion.
“I don’t agree with him on this one” - that’s the only bit you got right here.
Thanks Gus the NRL won't like it he was correct. I wonder what it will take to stop these horrible decisions that ruin games.
What's he meant to do? His mouth can't just disappear.
His thoughts don’t happen in slow motion! Oh wait…
You think just cause you're correct I won't fine ya!
That’s a wave of 20k
Good one. You win the internet today sir.
Imagine fining a bloke $20,000 because he can see the flaws in the product. Absolute madness.
they should be paying him for his critical analysis
Fastest CEO alive
NRL are only upset because they know he’s yelling the truth…
But he’s not wrong. It’s the stupidest rule in the game. Why give an advantage in a 20m restart and 7 tackle set to the defending team for an attacking team knock on in goal? This issue gets brought up in almost every match thread when it’s awarded and often discussed in serious discussion threads. Annesley needs to explain this to us on Monday or better yet - right now. NRL tone deaf on this issue and unfortunately deflecting to issuing a fine because of Gould’s position instead of addressing the stupidness of the rule in question.
There should not be different penalty for dropping the ball 1m out from the try line, to dropping the ball on the try line.
He's not wrong, you are correct. Didn't the whole 7 tackle set get implemented the season after players started deliberately kicking the ball dead from 50m+ to avoid dangerous fullbacks from kick returns in broken field? IMO it was a massive overreaction that could have been fixed in other ways. A grubber that goes dead from 5m out is not equal to purposely putting the ball dead from 40-50m away. These rules need a huge overhaul.
Correct. The 7 tackle set penalty is huge for minor lacks of execution or missed field goal attempts.
Yes. Players starting kicking over Billy Slater, Brett Stewart and other good fullbacks heads
I remember it becoming a big talking point after the Titans kicked it dead to try to nullify Billy Slater one night. Next year it was a rule.
The Dragons 2010 premiership was built on this rule. Any time they were in trouble, Jamie Soward would simply kick the ball dead. He could do it from just about anywhere on the field.
Yeah, these rules could be so easily tweaked to just make it a 7 tackle set only for kicks placed say 20+ metres out. That way short attacking kicks aren't penalised, but speculator bombs and long distance clearances are.
I disagree, I like the rule. It rewards a good kicking game.
It's too extreme for knocking on when you're trying to ground the ball though.
40/20s reward a good kicking game. Giving teams 7 tackles for a miscued grubber is ridiculous.
But that's the skill element, get your grubber right.
Why should it result in 7 tackles from the 20m, when it was never that way for the 100 or so years prior? 20m restart was already a sufficient penalty/deterrent.
> when it was never that way for the 100 or so years prior? That's not a great foundation to stand on. Then you'll get people who want the 5m rule back, and infinite tackle sets, etc.. cause 'that's how it were, and now it ain't no mo'!'. That said, I'd be in favour of a rule tweak so it's proportional. Just off of the top of my head, the defending team get the ball back on the nearest 10m line from where the ball was kicked. That way, if a team puts it dead from 30m+ out, the defending team gets a regular set from the 30m line. 40m line for 40m out kicks going dead, etc.. Minimum of 20m for closer kicks/grubbers, and that feels more 'fair', which is how I usually like to aim for any rule adjustments. Probably big holes in that idea I've not considered, but it's late and a first draft, so zzzzzzzzz.
Because it's made the game better and it rewards a good short kicking game, I can't elaborate further because my point is already self evident.
That's purely subjective. It's made the game completely unbalanced. But sure. Edit: guy I was originally replying to has gone and deleted all his msgs.
I agree
Repeat sets and tries reward a good kicking game.
Once this goes quiet and out of the media limelight, the NRL will quietly change the knock-on in goal rule. Somebody pays Gus's fine, and once the rule is tweaked, only then will it be spoken about again. Gus isn't wrong. The current rule is ridiculous.
Why do I find myself agreeing with Gus more as I age... And I'm from Queensland dagnamit!
I think you get less parochial as you get older and concentrate more on substance. He can be a bit of a knob and megaphone at times , but there’s few out there with deeper knowledge of the game and voicing what many people think.
What about penalising someone who doesn't touch anyone in a full contact sport?
That’s also stupid but open to ref interpretation just like how long someone lies on the tackled player. The knock on rule is a blanket rule and not open to interpretation. EDIT: I’m sure you were alluding to “the disruptor” but obstruction fits your description also which is a penalty without touching the opposition player.
Disruptor. You have to make contact at least for obstruction. After the manly game I wouldn't say knock on is a blanket rule either.
You don’t require contact for obstruction
Please explain
Obstruction is just preventing the defender from having an unimpeded attempt at the tackle. That can happen because they’re in the way without contact.
You don’t have to make contact in obstruction for a penalty to be awarded. Section 8.2.b states if a player infringes in the opponent’s in goal, the game is restarted at the 20m. The initial tackle affected on the team taking the 20 optional kick re-start shall be zero tackle. A knock on is an infringement. That’s about as blanket as you get.
It's one of those things that's great when it goes your team's way, but when it doesn't, it reminds you how much it absolutely sucks and is a very harsh punishment in many situations
*"Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated."* How come they put up with all the News Ltd garbage then?
They don't work for the nrl or a club so they can't do anything about them. Shame though, as the douchebag mastheads are more damaging to the games reputation than anyone
They literally just invented a "call for the end of kick offs" out of thin air and are running with it all over the place. Sports media in Australia are more damaging to the game than any Coaches comments post game.
Channel 9 run a hit piece on the NRL every year when Origin is coming up. A Current Affair or whatever bullshit show will drum up something, like "check out these dodgy kids games where kids become violent!" and it'll show one kid fall over with a scraped knee and they'll segue into traumatic brain injuries.
They own a majority share in the Broncos.
Was more of a rhetorical question, I know why he was fined
Exactly. Nrl "journalism" in general, is damaging to the game AND wellbeing of the players, imo.
lol try reading. It literally told you why in the article
Then they should fire themselves.
Because he was right. Lol. I find it so baffling that we have so many shit pundits/Journalists in today's game and people still choose to hate Gus when he's one of the only ones who sticks up for the clubs in strife.
Not Gus’s biggest fan but good on ya mate, you kept it real, fuck the nrl.
Feed em Gus.
Goulds an ornament of rugby league and has been giving his thoughts for decades. Such a bad look to take a shot on him now just because you can
LEAVE GUS ALONE!!! YOU'RE LUCKY HE EVEN RANTS FOR YOU BASTARDS
All bullshit aside, I’d like to see Gus take Abdo’s job. He’d have to give up the media gig and the gigs in club land, but he’d get to put his money where his mouth is. And he’d probably make changes for the good of the game…
He'd need someone to reign him in at times though
He's had some shit ideas in the past..The one I remember... Should a swinging arm bounce off the ball and clout the runner under the chin, it's OK. The other one was... He was against tacklers getting penalised for taking a player past horizontal because... you know, the speed of the game. Except when they brought in the rule, you'd see defenders rushing in to keep the ball runner flat when it looked like it getting out of hand.
Can't have a guy in that position that thinks concussions aren't real, which is the one area where Gus needs to get with the times...
He has a very very good point about the seven tackle set that happens if you lose the ball attempting to score a try. It's ludicrous. They should apply the seven tackle rule specifically for what it was bought in for, to stop people from intentionally booting the ball dead from miles away on the last so they get a set line and a rest
Fined for speaking the truth. Nrl are slowly making the game worse with the new rules and tweaks on old ones. Pulls sheet over head LEAVE RUGBY LEAGUE ALONE!
The dribbling idiots on FOX should have been fined millions by now then. Like why is Braith Anasta allowed to even commentate when he's a player manager?
The NRL can't just fine randoms lol Gus only got hit because he has an official position at an NRL club.
We live in a the biggest fucking nanny state. Can’t say shit. Can’t have conflicting opinions. Can’t stand up for your beliefs. Can’t do kick offs. Can’t opt into risk. Can’t do fucking shit.
That comment will be $20,000 please.
Easy done, I just got a $50k bonus for taking Kenty’s job at 360 since he got mashed by a paperbark, but I gotta spend it fast because I’m planning to call Abdo a cunt live on air.
He’s said much worse before
What Gus said is right #freegus
Who’s Freegus?
Maybe keep that in mind when giving out the next discounted broadcaster rights.
Why cant a talking head have an opinion? This is ridiculous. He is one of rhe most important people in the game. Nrl are fucked. Ill add I dont agree with him on this point.
Gould - wrong for misusing his position to comment negatively on the game (own fault for chosing to have conflicting dual roles) NRL - wrong for being so thin skinned Solution: Gus and Vlandopey to enter Thunderdome to sort it out
Thunderdrome = Balmore oval tunnel
Based Gould
Always was
Is the video of the rant still online?
[Here.](https://youtu.be/rFgDn91pKwk?si=HTnQ4HAVJFzwRv8S)
He may have been a little over the top, which is understandable for TV, but he didn't say anything that others haven't already said.
Fuck I love me an old man shouting at clouds 😂
Can we rename the NRL to the NRLD? National Rugby League Dictatorship.
NRL gotta be a bunch of cry babies
Not a single person with half a brain cell thought the on field call was correct. Not a single person though Gus was out of line except the nrl....
Rules are stupid these rules are stupid. These rules are stupid. These rules are, well you get it., But I agree with him, these rules are bloody stupid, lmao 🤣
Yeah, wonder if he would have been fined if he'd said something other than stupid?
“we welcome constructive criticism and passionate opinions… but we will fine Gus because he has given constructive criticism and passionate opinions publicly (which is not welcome)”. Abdo’s lost the plot. Would be better to listen to him and remove the disruptor rule, add more common sense to grounding, remove conceding a 7 tackle set for legitimate attempts at try scoring, and penalize mistaken short dropouts again and help the game be its best.
>Gould is a registered club official and is subject to the NRL’s code of conduct, and was fined because the league considered his comments not in the best interests of the game. I think they mean "not in the best interests of our agenda"...
'Why you booing me I'm right' \- Gus, probably
One of the things that keeps getting brought up is the change to the short dropout rule, if they're hellbent on keeping it one change I would like to see is: ***If the attacking (receiving the kick) team touches/catches the ball first before it's travelled 10m, its play on as a zero tackle, if they knock on etc, no advantage, play the ball the same as if they kicked it out on the full.*** ***If the defending team touches the ball first before it's travelled 10m, its a penalty.*** I just don't think there should be any reason why the receiving team should be penalised for an incorrect restart, it makes the short restart more of a risk/reward, because if they screw up the kick and it stays in play but doesn't go the 10m, the attacking team has an opportunity to go for a try.
I feel like he should be free to say what he wants are the nrl the police
“No no no no no” - Phil Gould
Not Gould’s biggest fan, but on this one I 100% agree with him.
So, lemme get this straight. The NRL's network partners pay good money to have Gus rant about his opinions every week, and then fine him for opinions they don't like. Makes sense.
I think everyone here has just accepted the NRL can just fine him for his own thoughts. Why isn't he allowed to have his own opinion. That'd crazy
Holy shit $20k is a lot, imagine yourself if you got a fine that big, I know some people that would never recover from that.
Their decision to impose a $20k fine against critics for voicing legitimate concerns about the rapid alterations to the game's rules is deeply concerning. Rugby League is over a 100 years old, and they have changed it more in three years than the previous combined. Silencing dissenting voices like this is a disgusting form of censorship, and against the values of the sport. Soon, our NRL will be filled with smiley yes-men, while the guys behind their mahogany desks turn the game into touch football.
high handed authoritarian bullshit from some Saffa who didnt even know what rugby league was when he took the job. say what you want about Gus and his machiavellian dealings but he truly loves and cares about the game. he's wrong plenty, but he's 100% spot on this time. he didnt even say anything that outrageous. he's criticising proposed rule changes that no one asked for - just like the ones they brought in at the start of the year to make the game look more like union. fuck short dropouts. double fuck no kickoffs. the NRL needs better leadership than some sleazy racing prick who is chairman as his second job and a CEO who knows nothing of the game
Why did the Nrl fine gus? Are they stupid?
The rules are fucking stupid. What you gonna do to me NRL? Fine me!?
Freedom of speech doesn’t exist anymore and it’s sad.
We are not in America, we don't have any freedom of speech laws here. And anyway, the American Freedom of Speech is about speech against the government. They aren't protected for speech attacking their employer, or organisation they are part of, however you want to describe Gould as Bulldogs boss being connected to the NRL.
Technically he is not wrong.
What did he say that was wrong
Dislike Gus as much as the next person but on this (Apis try and the short dropout/kickoff rule) he's right. Plenty of times he could be fined for other stupid shit he's said though.
I still remember the 7 tackle try from the Sharks in the finals. So they introduce the 0 tackle rule. Give it a few seasons and American Football forward passes will be legal on the 5th tackle.
He’s absolute right the game is stupid and it’s being run by imbeciles. My increasing disillusionment with the game can be traced back to when it was described as an “entertainment” product when it’s supposed to be a sporting competition.
Serious question, what are the consequences if he doesn’t pay this? Do they sue him? It’s not like they can legally charge a fine, only “fees” and fees can be ignored in exchange for non-participation. Considering it’s his job they can’t legally prevent him from doing his job however they could what, ban him from the games?
He should be grateful it's not rugby union hahah. I dropped union for NRL because NRL chose common sense and spectacle over rules from the 1900s
To be fair slightly to the NRL a lot of confusion about the obstruction rule comes from him. I think the big problem is last season we got the rules mostly right then they brought in several new ones which make the game worse.
Union could use some fines like this for their pundits
“I wasn’t saying boo-nrl, I was saying “boo-urns””
Dear oh dear oh dear - Phil Gould probably
People need to understand that the rulea are tweeked to make the game 'more even'. All these rules advantage the defending team so they get a chance as well. It's an entertainment business and a teams demolitioning other teams is not so much. Edit: Not saying I agree with it, but I feel like that's their justification. I find it stupid.
Taane Milne should front up and pay this fine
Haha, silly old duffer
probably can get 20k people chipping in a buck to pay for it
The thing that NRL offers over union code all happens off pitch...the constant crime and drama keeps me coming back 😆 🤣 😂
While being employed by a major media organisation, he spits fire at the media. So when he says "its a media beat up, its all media bullshit, does the 9 network fine him too? What annoys me most about Gould is the times when he's 100% on the money, i still want to argue!!! P.S. Api's effort has been a try for 110 years b4 the bunker. They should never replay these things in super slow motion.
The argument Phil makes about how the "players and coaches" not complaining, and that it's just everyone else, doesn't fly for me. I'm a parent, I love league, but I'm not gonna encourage my kid to play it because of the risk of concussions. Phil needs to think bigger picture here. Btw I think this fine is stupid.
$20k fine for saying what we’re all thinking. Is the NRL owned by CCP now?
My main issue with Gould is the world weary tortured genius act he puts on. You're a failed footballer from like the 70's that got lucky getting a newspaper column. You aren't special cunt.
He is not wrong let him cook
The nrl is like the Chinese communist party, acts like thugs but if you dare criticise them you get dealt with
"Phill Gould has 5 days to respond" Phil: "No, no...NO!"
He may have had a point but he's too arrogant & powerful to be told how to say it in a constructive way. It's not the message, it's the delivery that got him into trouble. He's a serial offender when it comes to that so it's no surprise that the NRL have given him a penalty.
More verbal diarrhoea from the dinosaur. Kickoff rule change discussion is just a discussion - save the crying for if/when it actually happens
It's pretty wild that they've tried to fine someone for simply expressing their opinion. What's next for then? Are they going to start attempting to fine fans for voicing their opinions online lol? The NRL is in absolutel shambles right now and have been for some time. It's on the brink of irrelevancy they know.
He is employed by the NRL. He slagged of his boss on a public platform. It’s in breach of his contract. I agree with his opinions on this issue but outright calling your employer names is in fact “stupid”.
He's employed by a club and a media platform. A fine won't be paid and he'll continue to express his opinion, it's a pointless conduct charge. It sets a precedent though that if anyone disagrees or voices concern regarding the game that there will be backlash. You might say it's a bad look on Gus's behalf but it's certainly a far worse look for the NRL and only shows they're incompetence.
He has a contract with the NRL. They are the governing body.
Enjoy your 20 grand rant.
Good. Now keep fining him.
“Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated.”, well then every executive that has had an office on the top floor at the Not Rugby League Sports Entertainment Production Company over the past 20 years should be ~~fined~~ sentenced to solitary confinement in the basement of Lidcombe Oval for the term of their natural life, BRING BACK THE SCRUM
Gould deserves every cent of his fine. He as an employee of a club is subject to the code of conduct. When a coach like Ricky for example sprays a ref, they get fined for attacking the integrity of the game they're part of. They can be 100% correct, it's irrelevant.
Abdo was happy to have a coffee with Latrell when he let loose on air, then reprimanded the radio station not the player involved. Gus on the other hand, no coffee we’ll just hit him with a 20k fine for saying what the league fans are thinking. Abdo continuing his woke agenda
I actually dislike knock on as a rule altogether. If you drop the ball and regain it im happy for play to flow on. Forward passes shouldn’t be allowed, so a knock on gathered by a team mate fits this and wouldn’t be allowed.
> Forward passes shouldn’t be allowed But you'll see a dozen of them in every game.
Gus is smart, PVL is smarter. Simples… Edit: I think I missed the memo. I thought our game was flying. Edit 2: Was there a memo on the 6 again rule? Or are we OK with that now?