When most 67-year-olds find themselves in a hospital bed with serious heart concerns, they'd likely be focused on rest and recovery. Not Phil Gould. The Canterbury Bulldogs football manager and Channel Nine commentator has been working away from his hospital bed, sending emails and keeping tabs on his beloved club while undergoing crucial cardiac tests.
The rugby league icon was admitted to hospital on Monday after routine blood tests revealed something concerning that required immediate investigation.
What started as a regular health check has turned into 'significant health concerns' that have kept him hospitalised for days.
From hospital bed to Grand Final tips
Gould himself broke the silence on Thursday morning, addressing the health scare with characteristic directness. His message from the hospital bed was quintessentially Gould—practical, grateful, and quickly moving on to rugby league talk.
'Everything is OK. My regular blood tests this week, showed up something else that needed investigation. Basically, I came in to change the tyres, and they found a problem with the engine. Go figure. I'm lucky they found it early.'
True to form, Gould has been notably absent from Channel Nine's '100 per cent Footy' program and his regular 'Six Tackles with Gus' podcast, but that hasn't stopped him from tipping Melbourne Storm to win Sunday's Grand Final, complete with predictions about Ryan Papenhuyzen scoring first and Cameron Munster claiming the Clive Churchill Medal.
A rugby league giant's golden touch
For younger readers who might only know Gould as the voice of Monday Night Football, his credentials are genuinely staggering. He remains the most successful New South Wales State of Origin coach in history, with six series victories between 1992 and 2004.
Phil Gould's remarkable achievements
At age 30, he became the youngest coach to win an NRL premiership when Canterbury claimed the 1988 title
His first five coaching seasons delivered two premierships and a Grand Final loss
In 2014, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for 'significant service to rugby league football as an administrator, commentator, coach and player, and to the community'
As a player, Gould made 103 first-grade appearances across Penrith, Newtown, Canterbury and South Sydney, becoming Penrith's youngest-ever captain at age 20. But it's his coaching legacy that truly sets him apart.
The importance of routine checks
This isn't Gould's first health concern of 2024—he underwent an eye procedure earlier in the year, posting a photo with an eye patch. But his latest scare carries a crucial message for all Australians, particularly those over 60.
His experience perfectly illustrates why regular health monitoring matters. What began as routine blood work—the kind many of us put off or skip entirely—uncovered something potentially serious that required immediate attention.
Health screening lessons from Gould's experience
- Regular blood tests can detect problems before symptoms appear
- Don't skip routine health checks, especially after 60
- Early detection often leads to better outcomes
- Health concerns can arise even in seemingly fit, active people
Canterbury's continued confidence
The timing of Gould's health scare comes just weeks after Canterbury extended his contract through until the end of 2031, alongside coach Cameron Ciraldo. It's a testament to his value that he's been managing Bulldogs duties from his hospital bed, maintaining email contact and staying up to date with club affairs.
Under Gould's leadership, Canterbury have returned to being a force in the NRL with a top-four finish this year, though their finals campaign ended in disappointment with losses to Penrith in the preliminary final.
Support from the rugby league family
The news broke when Channel Nine's Danny Weidler posted on social media: 'Big couple of days for Gus. Spoke to him a short time ago and wishing him good health'. The rugby league community has rallied around one of its most influential figures, with fans and fellow commentators sending messages of support.
Gould's podcast co-host Mat Thompson revealed that 'over the last few weeks my man Gus has had some health issues unfortunately', suggesting this may have been building for some time.
Looking to the future
His participation in Nine's Grand Final coverage on Sunday remains uncertain, but knowing Gould's work ethic and passion for the game, don't be surprised if he finds a way to be involved. Hospital staff report he's in good spirits, and his social media activity suggests his famous drive remains undimmed.
The 'Dogfather', as he's affectionately known, has faced setbacks before—including serious eye injuries that threatened his playing career with detached retina concerns—and bounced back stronger each time.
For Australian rugby league fans, particularly those who remember Gould's heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, this health scare serves as a reminder that even the toughest competitors aren't immune to the effects of time.
But it also showcases the resilience and work ethic that made Gould legendary in the first place.
As we await further updates on his condition and potential discharge, there's comfort in knowing that one of rugby league's great minds is still sharp, still engaged, and still ready to share his Grand Final predictions from wherever he happens to be.
What's your favourite Phil Gould memory from his playing, coaching, or commentary career? And has his experience reminded you to book that overdue health check?
Original Article
https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-le...-with-significant-health-concerns--c-20205728
Phil Gould reveals reason for hospital visit after heart scare ahead of NRL grand final | The Nightly
Cited text: Canterbury footy boss and Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould says he was forced to go to hospital after a regular blood test “showed up something els...
Excerpt: The rugby league icon was admitted to hospital on Monday after routine blood tests revealed something concerning that required immediate investigation
https://thenightly.com.au/sport/nrl...art-scare-ahead-of-nrl-grand-final-c-20210327
NRL news: Phil Gould responds as fans rally around Channel 9 and Bulldogs boss after worrying development
Cited text: Phil Gould has issued a promising update after the Bulldogs boss and Channel 9 commentator was hospitalised this week due to serious health concerns.
Excerpt: The rugby league icon was admitted to hospital on Monday after routine blood tests revealed something concerning that required immediate investigation
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nrl-world...s-to-light-about-bulldogs-boss-210108826.html
Phil Gould in hospital with 'significant health concerns' - NRL News—Zero Tackle
Cited text: Channel 9s Danny Weidler confirmed he had spokent to Gould recently, while News Corp are reporting Gould took himself to hospital on Monday, and he is...
Excerpt: 'significant health concerns'
https://www.zerotackle.com/phil-gould-in-hospital-with-significant-health-concerns-227400/
'Significant health concerns': Gus in hospital after heart scare
Cited text: “Nine league expert and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has been in hospital since Monday and has some significant health concerns,” Weidler wrote.
Excerpt: 'significant health concerns'
https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/10/01/significant-health-concerns-gus-in-hospital-after-heart-scare/
NRL news: Phil Gould responds as fans rally around Channel 9 and Bulldogs boss after worrying development
Cited text: Spoke to him a short time ago and wishing him good health.” · Gould has been in hospital since Monday and was notably absent from Channel 9 program &#...
Excerpt: Gould has been notably absent from Channel Nine's '100 per cent Footy' program and his regular 'Six Tackles with Gus' podcast
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nrl-world...s-to-light-about-bulldogs-boss-210108826.html
Phil Gould AM—Celebrity Speakers
Cited text: Phil Gould is known as the most successful NSW State of Origin coach in history with four series wins between 1992 and 1996 and two series win on retu...
Excerpt: He remains the most successful New South Wales State of Origin coach in history, with six series victories between 1992 and 2004
https://www.celebrityspeakers.com.au/speakers/phil-gould-am/
Phil Gould—Coaching Career—RLP
Cited text: Following a drawn series in 2002 and an authoritative series win in 2003, Gould weathered a concerted media backlash against his outspoken views on th...
Excerpt: He remains the most successful New South Wales State of Origin coach in history, with six series victories between 1992 and 2004
https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/coaches/phil-gould/summary.html
Phil Gould—Playing Career—RLP
Cited text: When Warren Ryan left the Bulldogs at the end of 1987 Gould stepped into the top job and promptly won the 1988 premiership—at age 30—the youngest ...
Excerpt: At age 30, he became the youngest coach to win an NRL premiership when Canterbury claimed the 1988 title
https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/phil-gould/summary.html
The Phil Gould phenomenon: How young Gus succeeded | NRL.com
Cited text: Gillespie played under Gould at Canterbury in 1988 when, aged 30, he became the youngest coach to win a premiership.
Excerpt: At age 30, he became the youngest coach to win an NRL premiership when Canterbury claimed the 1988 title
https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/12/02...n-how-a-young-coach-made-every-post-a-winner/
Phil Gould (rugby league) - Wikipedia
Cited text: His first five coaching seasons brought two premierships (with Canterbury in 1988 and Penrith in 1991) and a loss in a Grand Final (with Penrith in 19...
Excerpt: His first five coaching seasons delivered two premierships and a Grand Final loss
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Gould_(rugby_league)
Phil Gould (rugby league) - Wikipedia
Cited text: In the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours List, Gould was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for 'significant service to rugby league fo...
Excerpt: In 2014, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for 'significant service to rugby league football as an administrator, commentator, coach and player, and to the community'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Gould_(rugby_league)
Phil Gould AM—Celebrity Speakers
Cited text: In the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List Phil Gould was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for ‘significant service to rugby leagu...
Excerpt: In 2014, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for 'significant service to rugby league football as an administrator, commentator, coach and player, and to the community'
https://www.celebrityspeakers.com.au/speakers/phil-gould-am/
Phil Gould (rugby league) - Wikipedia
Cited text: Overall, in his playing career, Gould made 103 first-grade appearances across four clubs.
Excerpt: As a player, Gould made 103 first-grade appearances across Penrith, Newtown, Canterbury and South Sydney
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Gould_(rugby_league)
The Phil Gould phenomenon: How young Gus succeeded | NRL.com
Cited text: Wedged between playing 104 matches for Penrith, Newtown, Canterbury and South Sydney and his current roles of club management and TV pundit, Phil Goul...
Excerpt: As a player, Gould made 103 first-grade appearances across Penrith, Newtown, Canterbury and South Sydney
https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/12/02...n-how-a-young-coach-made-every-post-a-winner/
Phil Gould (rugby league) - Wikipedia
Cited text: Following the retirement of Penrith's British import star Mike Stephenson, Gould was selected as captain of the Panthers at the age of 20, becoming th...
Excerpt: Penrith's youngest-ever captain at age 20
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Gould_(rugby_league)
Phil Gould reveals reason for hospital visit after heart scare ahead of NRL grand final | The Nightly
Cited text: This is not Gould’s first health issue of 2025 with the former Canterbury, Penrith and NSW coach posting a photo with a patch over one eye after under...
Excerpt: This isn't Gould's first health concern of 2024—he underwent an eye procedure earlier in the year, posting a photo with an eye patch
https://thenightly.com.au/sport/nrl...art-scare-ahead-of-nrl-grand-final-c-20210327
Phil Gould hospitalised with heart condition revelation as NRL stars arrive for Dally M awards | The Nightly
Cited text: This is not Gould’s first health issue of 2025 with the former Canterbury, Penrith and NSW coach posting a photo with a patch over one eye after under...
Excerpt: This isn't Gould's first health concern of 2024—he underwent an eye procedure earlier in the year, posting a photo with an eye patch
https://thenightly.com.au/sport/nrl...rl-stars-arrive-for-dally-m-awards-c-20205132
Bulldogs Chief Gould In Hospital Amid Health Concerns | Racing and Sports
Cited text: Gould had his tenure at Canterbury extended until the end of 2031 last month, with coach Cameron Ciraldo earning a similar extension.
Excerpt: Canterbury extended his contract through until the end of 2031, alongside coach Cameron Ciraldo
https://www.racingandsports.com.au/...gould-in-hospital-amid-health-concerns/701179
Phil Gould hospitalised with heart condition revelation as NRL stars arrive for Dally M awards | The Nightly
Cited text: Earlier last month Gould and Ciraldo extended their contracts at the Bulldogs, with Gould signing on until 2031.
Excerpt: Canterbury extended his contract through until the end of 2031, alongside coach Cameron Ciraldo
https://thenightly.com.au/sport/nrl...rl-stars-arrive-for-dally-m-awards-c-20205132
Bulldogs chief Gould in hospital amid health concerns | Oberon Review | Oberon, NSW
Cited text: Gould is said to be in good spirits and in regular communication with the Bulldogs from his hospital bed.
Excerpt: he's been managing Bulldogs duties from his hospital bed, maintaining email contact and staying up to date with club affairs
https://www.oberonreview.com.au/story/9079523/bulldogs-chief-gould-in-hospital-amid-health-concerns/
NRL news: Phil Gould responds as fans rally around Channel 9 and Bulldogs boss after worrying development
Cited text: (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images) Gould has reportedly been carrying out his duties as the Bulldogs' general manager from his hospital bed, sendi...
Excerpt: he's been managing Bulldogs duties from his hospital bed, maintaining email contact and staying up to date with club affairs
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nrl-world...s-to-light-about-bulldogs-boss-210108826.html
'Significant health concerns': Gus in hospital after heart scare
Cited text: With Gould at the helm, Canterbury have returned to being a force in the NRL again with a top-four finish this year.
Excerpt: Under Gould's leadership, Canterbury have returned to being a force in the NRL with a top-four finish this year
https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/10/01/significant-health-concerns-gus-in-hospital-after-heart-scare/
NRL news: Phil Gould responds as fans rally around Channel 9 and Bulldogs boss after worrying development
Cited text: Since Gould became the Bulldogs' general manager, the club has returned to their successful ways after a few years at the bottom of the ladder.
Excerpt: Under Gould's leadership, Canterbury have returned to being a force in the NRL with a top-four finish this year
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nrl-world...s-to-light-about-bulldogs-boss-210108826.html
Phil Gould Hospitalized for Heart Tests: What We Know_his_the_Nine
Cited text: ... Channel Nine journalist Danny Weidler took to social media to provide updates on Gould's condition, stating, 'Big couple of days for Gus. Spoke to...
Excerpt: The news broke when Channel Nine's Danny Weidler posted on social media: 'Big couple of days for Gus.
https://www.sohu.com/a/940633672_122342248
NRL news: Phil Gould responds as fans rally around Channel 9 and Bulldogs boss after worrying development
Cited text: Fans and fellow commentators are sending messages of support.
Excerpt: The rugby league community has rallied around one of its most influential figures, with fans and fellow commentators sending messages of support
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nrl-world...s-to-light-about-bulldogs-boss-210108826.html
NRL news: Phil Gould responds as fans rally around Channel 9 and Bulldogs boss after worrying development
Cited text: “He’s in good spirits.” · Gould's podcast co-host Mat Thompson revealed on Wednesday that Gus has been battling for a few weeks. 'Over the last few we...
Excerpt: Gould's podcast co-host Mat Thompson revealed that 'over the last few weeks my man Gus has had some health issues unfortunately'
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nrl-world...s-to-light-about-bulldogs-boss-210108826.html
NRL news: Phil Gould responds as fans rally around Channel 9 and Bulldogs boss after worrying development
Cited text: He also didn't feature on his regular 'Six Tackles with Gus' podcast on Wednesday, and his participation in Nine's coverage of gra...
Excerpt: His participation in Nine's Grand Final coverage on Sunday remains uncertain
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nrl-world...s-to-light-about-bulldogs-boss-210108826.html
'Significant health concerns': Gus in hospital after heart scare
Cited text: Gould is said to be in good spirits and in regular communication with the Bulldogs from his hospital bed.
Excerpt: Hospital staff report he's in good spirits
https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/10/01/significant-health-concerns-gus-in-hospital-after-heart-scare/
Phil Gould (rugby league) - Wikipedia
Cited text: Specifically Gould suffered an eye injury which posed a risk of separation of the retina.
Excerpt: including serious eye injuries that threatened his playing career with detached retina concerns
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Gould_(rugby_league)
Phil Gould—Coaching Career—Seasons—RLP
Cited text: Two detached retina injuries threatened his early career but moving to Newtown, he played second row in the 1981 grand final loss to P’matta and set u...
Excerpt: including serious eye injuries that threatened his playing career with detached retina concerns
https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/coaches/phil-gould/seasons.html
Phil Gould—Coaching Career—RLP
Cited text: Two detached retina injuries threatened his early career but moving to Newtown, he played second row in the 1981 grand final loss to P’matta and set u...
Excerpt: including serious eye injuries that threatened his playing career with detached retina concerns
https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/coaches/phil-gould/summary.html
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
-
-
-
Celebrity's heart scare raises urgent reminder about paying attention to hidden health risks
- Started by Gian T
- Replies: 1
.png){kind=icon}