Bulldogs State of Origin rep facing the axe as Lachie Galvin set to make immediate switch

Reed Mahoney is reportedly on the nose with Canterbury Bulldogs officials, and could be the odd man out once Lachie Galvin arrives. Galvin is set to make an immediate switch from the Tigers to Bulldogs on a three-and-a-half year deal. The 19-year-old five-eighth rejected a contract extension with the Tigers earlier this season, and the joint-venture has now agreed to allow him to leave the club immediately. Galvin informed the Bulldogs on Sunday that he's rejecting an offer from Parramatta to join the Belmore club. The Bulldogs will pay the Tigers a $165,000 transfer fee, and the move could be finalised this week. "What I understand of the situation right at the moment is that Lachlan Galvin has expressed his desire to play with the Bulldogs," Canterbury general manager Phil Gould said on Channel 9 on Sunday. "We still haven't closed off on a deal yet, and there are still some things that have got to be worked out with the Wests Tigers. I would hope that in the next 48 hours we have far greater clarity." Where Galvin fits into the Bulldogs line-up remains to be seen. Halves Matt Burton and Toby Sexton have led the Dogs to the top of the NRL ladder after 12 rounds, however Burton might be shuffled to fullback or the centres.

Glamour Club 'Firming' For DCE

Still on Manly and DCE - and I copped plenty of flak right here two weeks ago when I dared to suggest that the Roosters were interested in the veteran halfback. Punters declared I was crazy, that he would never leave Manly, that the Roosters wouldn't sign an ageing halfback, blah blah blah. Two weeks down the track and word in clubland is that the Roosters are firming every day as favourite's to sign Cherry-Evans, followed by the Dolphins and Titans. The situation changes by the hour, with DCE keen to put the matter to bed quickly so he can get his name off the back and front pages.

'I'm perplexed': Hasler questioned as 'talented roster' misfires

Phil Gould says the Titans have a roster that is capable of challenging for the finals, which is why the rugby league expert is "perplexed" by their ongoing issues. Gold Coast finished in the bottom-four in their first campaign under coach Des Hasler, but many believe they can surge back up the ladder in 2025. However, things got off to an incredibly rocky start against an under-strength Broncos outfit in the trials, conceding 50 points despite fielding a host of stars. "Crikey, there will be some sore heads up there," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus this week. "[It was] disappointing but trials are trials, that can improve very quickly and in the space of seven days, they could put that behind them. "But that wasn't good on the weekend, it wasn't a good sign at all - but again, it's only a trial game. They need to perform better than that and I'm sure they will this week." Defence has long been as issue for the Titans, who have some of the most brilliant attacking players in the NRL, but have failed to find consistency week-to-week. Gould pointed out the glaring issues not only with their attitude, but also in their roster. Hasler has a litany of options in the spine, but it doesn't appear as though Gold Coast have settled on who will wear the most important jerseys come the season proper. "They have got a talented roster," he said. "I honestly keep looking at the Titans and I'm perplexed sometimes at why they aren't doing better. Last year they finished in 14th position and conceded 656 points. "They are honestly better than that, they need to improve that part of their game and their mentality and you would expect a Des Hasler coached side to do that. 

'Announced himself': Gus in awe of unsung hero

A late Cowboys resurgence was not enough to dim the brilliance of Braydon Trindall as the Sharks book their spot in the grand final qualifier. The 26-18 victory marks the end of the Sharks horror finals run since 2018 and the first September football triumph with Craig Fitzgibbon at the helm. But it was Trindall who was the unlikely hero for the side, recording two tries, one try assist and a linebreak. The playmaker ignited the Sharks early onslaught with a penalty try as he was pulled to the turf without the ball by an incoming Reuben Cotter. The surprising decision was backed up by a steaming Cameron McInnes try, which was produced by the brilliance of a Ronaldo Mulitalo and Trindall partnership. Trindall and Mulitalo followed the effort to close the half with a 24-point lead over the interstate visitors. "What a try - outstanding from Trindall in the corner," Peter Psaltis said on Nine. Valentine Holmes halted the Sharks onslaught in the opening minutes of the final 40 with his trademark footwork pushing him to plant the ball down next to the posts. But a pinpoint kick by Trindall forced a set restart in favour of the Sharks and set Sione Koata up to score, but he was later denied by the Bunker due to a knock on. Royce Hunt looked certain to score minutes later but was also denied by the Bunker as an earlier knock on by Mulitalo was missed on field. An additional two tries by the Cowboys was of little concern for the five-eighth, who forced yet another repeated set before rattling the Cowboys to earn a penalty goal. "He's playing like a veteran and that was fantastic," Paul Vautin said. "He has had a magnificent game Trindall." After the game, halves partner Nicho Hynes heaped praise on Trindall and believes their combination is coming together well at the right time of year. "He's killing it Tricky," he said. "All I wanted to do was come back and suit our style. Tricky has been kicking well and playing well, so we've got to stick to our strengths as a football team. "We're gelling pretty nicely at the right part of the year." The highest praise however came from Phil Gould, who claims Trindall is now a bonafide first grade star who will have plenty of clubs knocking on his door soon. "Every finals series, a player emerges and rise to the occasion to announce themselves," he said on Nine's post-game recap. "I think that's a breakout game. We know he's been a talented player, he had to wait for a long time at the Sharks - but tonight was a breakout game. "He really announced himself on the stage of NRL football … that was a superb performance and he really did take the pressure away from Nicho Hynes. "He was able to simplify his game … Trindall came up with the big plays."

'Record low' could gift bumbling Broncos finals

League icon Phil Gould believes there could be a "record low" wins to make the top eight this season as the Broncos fight to make finals. Currently, just six points separate the fifth placed Bulldogs (24) and 15th placed Rabbitohs (18) as the back end of the season approaches. The Broncos and Warriors have been the real shocks this season - in a bad way - with Brisbane currently 13th and four points outside the eight while the Warriors are only one point ahead. One of Brisbane's most frustrating performances came on Saturday night when they were defeated 30-26 by the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium. Despite the disappointment, Gould believes it's "unfair" to judge them on that performance. "The Broncos were missing a lot of star players ... to judge the Broncos on what we saw against the Dragons is a little bit unfair," he said on Nine's 100% Footy. "... I've always felt Kevin Walters looked really confident (during this form slump). He was thinking just thinking as soon as we get our team back (we'll be right). I'm looking at their draw for the last eight weeks and I'm thinking they can win them all and they'll certainly be thinking that way." Brisbane have seven games remaining this season and will play the Knights, Bulldogs, Titans, Cowboys, Eels, Dolphins and Storm. The side currently sits with seven wins to its name. Gould believes four more could be enough, stating 11 wins and 13 losses could be the way to make the top eight. "I'm starting to think it could be nearly a record low to make the eight this year on how many wins you need," he said. "You win four or five games in a row in this competition and things look very, very different straight away." Paul Gallen disagrees slightly, stating 12 will be the magic number with the Broncos needing to win five from their last seven.

Gus warns of looming disaster for teen with 'no fear'

Phil Gould has urged the Wests Tigers to take a cautious approach with boom teenager Lachlan Galvin. The 18-year-old halfback looks to be heading towards an NRL debut this season - and perhaps as early as round two - after being added to the club's senior roster on a three-year deal. He suited up in last week's trial against the Dragons and looked impressive coming off the bench. "He's a great kid, he's been on the horizon for some time. He's an NRL player," Gould told Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast. "At 18 years of age, and he's still a bit slight, they'll have to look after him for a while but he will force his way into the NRL sooner rather than later. "He was quite impressive (in the pres-season trials), even though the Tigers weren't that good, he did some really nice things for one so young. "He is a shining light on the horizon, no doubt about that. I think he will be representative class down the track." While Gould believes Galvin is classy enough to feature in the NRL already, he wants the Tigers to take it slow. The Concord club is wallowing on the bottom of the competition, with consecutive wooden spoons and a tumultuous off-season casting a dark cloud over Benji Marshall's rookie season as coach. With Galvin being paraded as their next big thing, it will be tempting to throw the talented teenager straight in the deep end, and hope he can swim. But Gould fears that could have disastrous consequences. "You've just got to protect them from themselves a little bit. He's got no fear, and kids like that you've got to protect from themselves," Gould explained.

The Gus chat that helped convince Brooks to leave

Phil Gould has revealed a conversation he had with Luke Brooks that helped convince the maligned playmaker to end his Wests Tigers career. Brooks, 29, played 205 NRL games across a decade for the Concord club, but left the perennial battlers without a single finals appearance to his name. He was the one member of the club's "big four" who stayed on when a crippling exodus hit in 2017, watching close friends and teammates Mitchell Moses, James Tedesco, and Aaron Woods move on. The Tigers finished ninth in each of the two seasons immediately following that year, but then tumbled down the ladder to finish 11th and 13th before collecting the last two wooden spoons. As the highly-paid playmaker it was Brooks who copped much of the flak for those dismal results. Requests to leave the Tigers previously were rejected by the club, but they've now let him go to the Sea Eagles to begin a new football life. And it was Gould who played a part - however small - in convincing Brooks to leave. "There is not one person who's not cheering for him, everyone is cheering for him," Gould told Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast. "I've always believed (he will do well). I always said it... Luke Brooks (was) not the problem with the Wests Tigers, the Wests Tigers could be the problem with Luke Brooks. "I honestly believe that. I think he's a talented player who's been harshly criticised over the years, and blamed for a lot of things that were outside his control. "I applauded his decision to change clubs. I actually had a conversation with him during that period and I said, 'look, you need to look after yourself now, you've done your best for the Tigers, you've stayed loyal when others haven't'. "He was the one who stayed loyal when others moved on to greener pastures, he stuck fat and he's copped a lot of the heat for it. "It was probably time for him to look after himself and I think the Manly opportunity is a really good one for him." Brooks will lace up for his first NRL game with the Sea Eagles this Sunday when they kick off the season against South Sydney in Las Vegas. Many punters and pundits are tipping Brooks to shine in new colours, and alongside representative halfback Daly Cherry-Evans who will shoulder much of the playmaking load. Gould believes Brooks will relish playing alongside Cherry-Evans, as well as gun fullback Tom Trbojevic - if the latter can stay fit. "Manly always prided themselves on their attacking football," Gould said. "I think he's going to be really good, I think he's going to suit playing with Cherry-Evans. "The key to them is Trbojevic, Tom. They are certainly a different outfit when he's not on the field. "But I'm certainly cheering for Luke Brooks... I want him to do well."

'Sharper and faster': Positive signs as Doggies chase 'mojo'

The Bulldogs will have the biggest transformation of any team in the NRL in 2024 with up to seven new faces in the 17-man side for round one. After finishing 15th, 12th, last and 15th in the past four seasons, football boss Phil Gould has swept a broom through the club, getting rid of plenty of dead wood. His recruitment has concentrated on quantity rather than elite quality, with one exception – former Panthers match-winner Stephen Crichton. Crichton will add much needed strike power out wide in the centres, as will former Shark Bronson Xerri, if he can regain his mojo after his lengthy drugs ban. Xerri looked sharp on debut in the win over the Storm on Thursday night in an encouraging sign. Former Titans playmaker Toby Sexton did enough last year to start in the key No.7 role, but will be kept honest by Roosters recruit Drew Hutchison, a steady campaigner capable of steering the team around the park. Blake Taaffe from the Rabbitohs has the speed and class to make a go of the fullback spot in a backline brimming with pace. I like former Sharks utility Connor Tracey – he has the skills to also make a fine fullback but he is versatile and brings impact, making him an ideal No.14 off the bench. Ex-Warrior Josh Curran is a great pick-up in the forwards, as is the versatile Kurt Mann from Newcastle. Another newcomer, Jaeman Salmon from the Panthers, also brings something to the table as an interchange player. In summary, a sharper and faster team than in 2023 and as a result, should win more games.

Joey, Freddy slap down Gus' Latrell suggestion

Phil Gould has called for South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou to move Latrell Mitchell back to the centres in a bid to rectify the Rabbitohs' stalling season.But Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have flatly rejected that idea as the Rabbitohs eye a clash with the Dragons in Cairns on Saturday, in which they'll be desperate to retain their position in the top eight."He's a dynamic centre," Gould said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast."He's a dynamic fullback when he puts his mind to it, when the game goes his way."He's got to force himself on the play a little bit more than he does if they want to beat the top sides."The game against the Dragons will mark Mitchell's third match since his return from the calf injury that ruled him out of the entire State of Origin series.He had little impact in his side's 26-16 loss to the Sharks in Perth last Saturday, although it must be noted that hardly a shot was fired by anyone in a red and green jumper over the first hour of the match, which saw Cronulla burst out to a 20-0 lead.Mitchell's career has produced spectacular moments at fullback and in the centres, where he still plays for the Blues and Kangaroos, but his drifting in and out of games has long drawn criticism.If Mitchell was to be moved to the centres, Blake Taaffe — who's worn the No.1 Rabbitohs jumper on a host of occasions — would slot in at fullback.However, Taaffe will be swapping Rabbitohs colours for the Bulldogs strip at the end of the season, having signed a two-year deal with Canterbury."When he does things that are so brilliant we want to see more of it," Gould said of Mitchell."That's where it is. So we're anticipating or thinking he can do more of it. He's kind of a little bit like a Ferrari; he waits for his moment, he waits for his time and he conserves energy until he can sense the moment."And he does that very, very well, but he needs to do more if they're going to beat the top sides."When the idea of Mitchell being shifted from fullback to the centres was put to Johns and Fittler on Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth, the former Blues and Kangaroos teammates shut it down immediately."It's hard without front-rowers ... Everything comes off the back of your front-rowers, but not only that; your wingers get your sets rolling off kick returns," Johns said.

Gould doubles down on 'immature' Broncos claim

The Brisbane Broncos are still too "immature" to beat a full-strength Panthers side to the NRL premiership, Phil Gould believes.Outside the Panthers, the Broncos have been the form club of 2023. The two sides are tied at the top of the ladder, although the Panthers still have a round 25 bye up their sleeve.They are 1-1 from their two meetings this year. The Broncos won their round one clash 13-12 at BlueBet Stadium thanks to a 70th minute Adam Reynolds field goal, but the Panthers won the round 12 return fixture at Suncorp Stadium 15-4.Despite this, Gould said all things being equal, he can't see anyone stopping the Panthers winning their third-straight premiership."I think they're a bit immature yet to be beating Panthers, who are hardened," he said of the Broncos on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast."They are (a good side), it's whether or not they can score enough points, given what the Panthers will put on them. "It'll come down to the best defence. I can't compare the Broncos' defensive system to the Panthers' defensive system. The Panthers will be best under pressure. "If the Broncos have a day out, if Reece Walsh has a day out, if Adam Reynolds has a day out, I suppose they can beat anyone."I'm not saying it can't happen, but I think Penrith will win the comp. Of the others, the contenders are falling away pretty quickly."It depends on Adam Reynolds if he's fit and well come that part of the year. They've got to win one (premiership) in the next couple of years because I'm not sure how much time he's got left in him."Gould agreed the Broncos were the next best side behind the Panthers, but says there is daylight between them.The Broncos earned a gritty win over the in-form Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday afternoon. But Gould said both sides would lose should they play like that against Penrith or Melbourne."The game looked great because they were playing against each other. I think if either of those sides play like that against Penrith (or) Melbourne … they'd both lose."Melbourne are more controlled and more defence-minded. I don't think Brisbane or the Cowboys would get away with what they got away with against each other."Brisbane will next host the Eels at the Gabba.

Gallen reveals motive behind Luai's Penrith exit

Phil Gould says he doesn't see "any reason whatsoever" why Jarome Luai, who just split with his management company, would want to depart the Panthers.But Paul Gallen has questioned if the representative five-eighth could be motivated by steering a struggling club to success.Fears of Luai fleeing the Panthers are heightened after Danny Weidler revealed in the Sun-Herald that Luai had lost a contract worth $100,000 following a break-up with management company SFX Sports Group.There were already concerns that Luai could become a free agent on November 1 in a pursuit to become a $1 million-a-season player — a pay slip he might not be able to secure at the Panthers because of the powerhouse club's salary-cap squeeze.Penrith has coughed up a long list of gun players amid its extraordinary NRL success in recent times, including Matt Burton, Apisai Koroisau and Viliame Kikau, while Stephen Crichton is among those set to leave at the end of this season.Gould, who orchestrated Penrith's era of domination as the club's general manager for eight years from 2011, was adamant on Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night that Luai would ink a new deal with the Panthers."I don't think there's any reason whatsoever why he would be looking to leave the Panthers. That's where he's grown up and that's where he's played, he's playing with the best club in the league, the No.1 club in the country. Why would he want to move?" Gould said."I don't see any reason why he would leave Penrith, I don't think he's thinking of leaving Penrith at all and I don't know money is all that important to him, to be honest."Of the potential suitors for Luai's signature, the Bulldogs loom as a feasible destination, partly because of the moves of Burton, Kikau and coach Cameron Ciraldo from Penrith to Canterbury.Crichton will swap Panthers colours for the Bulldogs strip on a four-year deal at the completion of this season.Luai signing with the Bulldogs also fits with Gallen's argument regarding trying to turn around an embattled club."He's had success, he's won two premierships in a row, he's here this year, he's there next year, as well, if they win three in a row that's a hell of a lot of success he's had," Gallen said on 100% Footy.

Gould snapped meeting with South Sydney star

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has held a meeting with off-contract South Sydney youngster Blake Taaffe, a day after rejecting claims the club was chasing Gold Coast prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.The Sydney Morning Herald obtained an image of Gould and Bulldogs recruitment manager Peter Sharp meeting with Taaffe at a restaurant on Tuesday.Taaffe is off contract at the end of the year and was one of the Rabbitohs' best in a losing side against the Bulldogs last week.The meeting comes off the back of Gould rejecting a News Corp report claiming that Canterbury were trying to lure Fa'asuamaleaui by offering him an investment in a pub owned by major sponsor, Arthur Laundy."This article has just come out of left field," Gould said."Someone's added two and two together and got five, again, along the lines of trying to destabilise our club, which has been a pretty common theme right throughout this season and, in fact, ever since I joined the club. It's just a continuing childish thing they do. But that's life in the rugby league world."

Dogs finally land a kill with Titans gun on the move

Talented youngster Toby Sexton is set to sign with the Canterbury Bulldogs after his current club, the Gold Coast Titansgave him permission to explore his options.Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould revealed negotiations are close to being finalised, in a deal that could see him move to the club immediately.Sexton is behind Tanah Boyd for the halfback role at the Titans, while the club is reportedly looking at signing Ben Hunt if he's granted a release from his Dragons contract.Gould spoke highly of the young half when opening up on the contract talks."I would hope that negotiations are finalised in the next 24 hours," he said on Nine's 100% Footy."Toby was actually in the Bulldogs system years ago, he was on a scholarship when he was at Palm Beach Currumbin, (but) ended up going to the Titans and playing there."He made first grade, played 19-20 games there last year, was playing first grade this year when he broke his wrist, we saw him play against the Dragons and score the winning try that day."He has a very good kicking game, astute young kicker, he's a good young halfback and genuine halfback and he's a game manager."We're going to give him a try if we can get something finalised in the next 24 hours."The signing of Sexton likely brings to an end Gould's search for a halfback, who has spoken openly about his struggles to find an appropriate player on the market.Kyle Flanagan started the year in the position for the Bulldogs but is now playing at hooker in NSW Cup.Matt Burton is Canterbury's incumbent halfback but is better suited to five-eighth.The Bulldogs made a play at Hunt when he was off contract last year, before the Queensland star re-signed with the Dragons. It was believed they were looking at Luke Brooks, too, before he signed with Manly.Sexton is one of the first players to leave the Titans after Justin Holbrook's sacking, with revelations that David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are now both available due to a coach clause.

DCE retirement theory explains Manly buys

Phil Gould has applauded Luke Brooks for putting himself first and switching to Manly, as the Canterbury Bulldogs supremo predicts the future of Daly Cherry-Evans may change soon.At 34, Cherry-Evans is in the twilight of his career, but is playing some of his best football after leading Queensland to another State of Origin series victory.The Manly halfback will attempt to rescue his side's season when his duties with the Maroons end, with the Sea Eagles currently 13th on the ladder.The club's signing of Luke Brooks on a four-year-deal seemingly offers them a replacement when Cherry-Evans retires, and Gould believes that won't be too far off. "I can't see Cherry-Evans going much beyond next year, if he plays next year," he said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast."I'm not saying I have any information on that, he's going terrific but you don't have to go until you're absolutely burned out before you retire."He's right on top of his game at the moment but he's 34 years of age."Gould went on to state the shrewd business from Manly has given them plenty of cover in a market where the halfback stocks are depleted or overpriced."The insurance for Brooks by staying for four years (is good business), he'll be 32 when he comes off this contract, which a lot of our top halfbacks are at least that, and more, at the moment," he said."You go out and try and buy one ... they're hard to come by and they're extremely expensive."I think it's a great buy and I think he'll do a great job and I'm very, very happy for Luke Brooks and I think the best part of his career is in front of him."Brooks' signature with Manly ends his long association with the Tigers, having debuted at the club in 2013.

Gould's Hunt answer to make Dragons nervous

Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould did not shut down talk of Canterbury being interested in disgruntled St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt when quizzed on Monday night.The Bulldogs and Titans appear to be the most likely of rival clubs to snare Hunt's signature after the Queensland State of Origin champion last week rocked the Dragons with a request of an immediate release.Hunt is contracted to the Dragons until the end of 2025, but he's warring with the club after Anthony Griffin was sacked as coach in May.The 33-year-old is also in opposition to playing at hooker, which some key figures at the Dragons want to happen so young guns Jayden Sullivan and Talatau Amone can pair up in the halves.Hunt wants to flee St George Illawarra despite the efforts of incoming coach Shane Flanagan to ensure he remains in the Red V.While the Dragons rejected Hunt's release request, there's still a considerable chance of the veteran halfback departing. Another club could fork out, a swap deal could be the answer or Hunt may even dig into his own pockets to force his way out.When Gould was asked on Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night if the Bulldogs were entertaining the prospect of signing Hunt, the club's general manager of football said: "I think everyone's watching this space"."You go out and try to buy a halfback," Gould added."There aren't many around. There are none around, there are none around. And they're pretty expensive if you want to buy a good one. I think everyone's watching this space."But until that's sorted out between the Dragons and Ben Hunt, it's a waste of time."Gould also said he did not know why Hunt had requested an immediate release from the Dragons."I don't know what is at the core of his motivation," Gould said.

Gus rejects Ryles rumour after Dragons snub

Rugby league guru Phil Gould has denied he warned Jason Ryles against taking the head coaching role at the Dragons, despite admitting the pair are in regular contact.Ryles this week rejected a long-term offer to lead his former club St George Illawarra out of the wilderness and it has since been reported that Gould was used a sounding board.While the coaching great confirmed he had recently spoken to Ryles, he played down claims that he had influenced the Roosters' assistant coach to choose another path, resulting in his decision to return to the Melbourne Storm in a role that is likely to ensure that he succeeds Craig Bellamy when he retires. Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast, Gould said he has maintained a friendship since Ryles played in his NSW team - the last series he took the reins of as coach - in 2004."Every time I travel to Melbourne [when Ryles was posted at the Storm from 2015 to 2020] … we [would] have a coffee together because I just like to keep up with the latest trends," Gould said."I know he believes he's ready for an NRL job, and I'm sure he is, but he's chosen to go back to the Melbourne Storm under Craig Bellamy and wait out there."I certainly didn't influence his decision. I don't know where people get that from."Ryles was short-priced favourite to take his first head coaching role at the Dragons, before announcing on Monday he had signed on for a second stint as an assistant under Bellamy at the Storm.Ryles is widely tipped to be a long-term head coach at the Storm when Bellamy eventually calls time.Hours after Ryles' decision became known, the Dragons were also informed by their major sponsor of 40 years, St George Bank, that the company would end its association with the club at the end of next season.Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb said "it wasn't a great day for the club", but added that Ryles' rejection could still prove to be a "blessing in disguise"."I'm not dismissing that (Wednesday) wasn't a hard day for anyone at the club, but I don't think it's the end of the world," he said.Gould agreed, and said the right coach could take the current playing group back up the ladder."There's always something to look forward to. I know it seems a little bit tough at the moment, but they'll work it out, they'll find a coach, they've just got to take a long term view towards it," Gould said.

Dogs boss' stunning admission amid Flanagan mess

The future of Kyle Flanagan seems no clearer, after conflicting messages from his father and Manly assistant coach Shane Flanagan and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould.Flanagan was subject to rumours of a reunion with his father at Manly after the halfback was dropped to NSW Cup by Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo last week.However, denials have come from Ciraldo and Gould in the aftermath, while his father Shane has said, "I don't think he'll stay there".Flanagan was shifted to hooker in NSW Cup on Sunday and played one of his best games of the season, impressing onlookers Gould and Ciraldo.Prior to the match, reports were he was set for an immediate switch to Manly, however Ciraldo stated he "knew nothing about that" in his press conference after his side's win over the Dragons. Gould confirmed the Bulldogs' stance, claiming there'd been no interest expressed from the Sea Eagles. "I haven't had one approach, haven't had anyone call me about it whatsoever, it's just another bit of scuttlebutt in the media," he said on Nine's 100% Footy."I don't know what's brought the story up."Kyle Flanagan was confused because he rang the coach on Saturday night the first time he saw the report, saying 'I know nothing about this'."We haven't even spoken to him, it's not even an issue."After applauding Flanagan's performance in NSW Cup, stating it was "one of his better games of the season", Gould doubled down on the rumours linking the former Roosters half away from the club."Where this other stuff came from I've got no idea, and no one has spoken to me," he said."People are reporting deals are done and expected immediately. I don't know how they're going to do that without talking to me, and no one has spoken to me."Despite the defiant stance of Gould, his comments seem to be somewhat at odds with Shane Flanagan, who didn't completely shut down the rumours."There's a little bit of truth to it, but it's a long way off ... There's been no conversation, his manager's been overseas," he said on 2GB's Wide World of Sports radio.

Knights let Dally M leader go to Dogs on $40k

Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has revealed how the club came to sign shock Dally M leader Jacob Kiraz on a paltry $40,000 deal, declaring that the move has made him "look a genius".Kiraz has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season, playing a starring role for the 2-1 Bulldogs through the first three rounds. He sits atop the Dally M leaderboard with 11 points, two ahead of Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.The 21-year-old returned to the club that knocked him back twice as a junior on a $1000-per-year train-and-trial deal, before making his debut last season and has not looked back since.Gould described Kiraz as a "great kid", adding that he was "wholehearted" and revealed his stunned reaction to seeing the powerful winger in action for the first time on the training track."I'd never seen him play, so I did some homework on him," he told Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus podcast."He came down to us on $40,000."I remember walking into training around Christmas time ... I'm sitting there in the heat and this big gangly thing just goes loping past and I said, 'Who the hell is that?', and they said, 'That's that boy from Newcastle, Kiraz'. I said, 'That's him?' He said, 'Yeah'. I said, 'Wow, he's going to make me look a genius'.

Gould's great rebuild rests on maligned Bulldog

There is arguably more excitement around the Bulldogs than any other team in the build-up to 2023.A new coach, a host of exciting new players and a new optimism may just end the seasons of pain Bulldogs fans have had to endure in recent years.Dogs supremo Phil Gould is building for the long term, but there's every chance he may well gain spectacular short-term results with the buying and selling he has done.2022 finishing position: 12th.

Gains: Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Ryan Sutton (Raiders), Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles), Franklin Pele (Sharks), Hayze Perham (Eels), Fa'amanu Brown (Wests Tigers), Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Karl Oloapu (Broncos). Losses: Jack Hetherington (Knights), Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins), Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Matt Dufty (Warrington), Joe Stimson (Titans), Josh Jackson (retired), Aaron Schoupp (Titans), Ava Seumanufagai (released), Corey Allan (Roosters).

Phil Gould lashes out over 'embarrassing' NRL farce: 'Totally wrong'

Phil Gould has blasted reports the Canterbury Bulldogs are making a move to try and sign Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona, lashing out at the 'embarrassing' transfer system in place in the NRL. Earlier this week the Daily Telegraph reported that the Bulldogs were considering bringing in the forward once his contract with the Storm expires.But the development was news to Bulldogs football manager Gould, who blasted the reports on Thursday night. Responding to a fan when asked about Asofa-Solomona, Gould wrote on Twitter: “It’s never been discussed.“He’s a terrific player, but Nelson has never once been mentioned at the Bulldogs. I don’t know who makes this stuff up, but they keep doing it. They are never held to any account.”Gould is growing increasingly frustrated that the Bulldogs have been linked to so many players. He added: “It doesn’t concern me, but it concerns rival clubs. It’s totally irresponsible. Mind you, the whole recruitment system is wrong. It’s an embarrassment to our code – but no one has the courage to fix it.”Asofa-Solomona has played 164 first grade games - all with the Melbourne Storm. He has also played 11 Test matches for New Zealand.