Breaking News: Phil Gould demoted in eye-opening decision for Channel 9’s coverage of NRL grand final

The NRL supremo is considered one of the best minds in the NRL.

Fans won’t be hearing veteran commentator Phil Gould during the NRL grand final after Channel Nine opted to use the supremo for analysis for the State Championship earlier in the day. Gould’s commentary in the big game has come under criticism in recent years after the coverage copped backlash from the 2020 final between the same teams.

In 2020, Gould hit back at claims from fans he was ‘biased’ in commentary during the final between the Panthers and the Storm. Gould – a former general manager of football at the Penrith – blasted the claims as false.

Phil Gould (pictured left) won't be commentating the NRL grand final on Channel Nine with the broadcaster opting for Andrew Johns (pictured right) an Billy Slater instead. (Getty Images) — Phil Gould (pictured left) won’t be commentating the NRL grand final on Channel Nine with the broadcaster opting for Andrew Johns (pictured right) an Billy Slater instead. (Getty Images)

However, fast-forward to 2024 and Gould won’t even be calling the NRL final and instead will be providing expert analysis on the Newtown Jets and Norths Devils final. The main commentator for the NRL final on Channel Nine will be Matt Thompson with NRL legends Andrew Johns and Billy Slater providing analysis. Roosters great Brad Fittler and Danika Mason will perform the sideline duties throughout the showpiece event in Sydney.

Brenton Speed will call the NRLW final. Gould is considered one of the best minds in the NRL and many will feel his absence is a hit to the commentary team. The current Bulldogs general manager of football, Gould has done less and less commentary on big games in recent years having appeared less frequently in coverage for State of Origin.

Despite Gould’s absence on the broadcast, it didn’t stop him making a few predictions for the grand final. Having claimed the Storm and Panthers could deliver one of the all-time great grand finals, he also went one step further and gave his prediction on who would win the Clive Churchill medal.

Commentator Phil Gould during a game. — Commentator Phil Gould (pictured) won’t be analysing the NRL grand final for Channel Nine.

Phil Gould makes huge Isaah Yeo call for grand final

Speaking ahead of the grand final, Gould grand final of Yeo’s ability to lift in 2024. The Panthers have dealt with a number of injury setbacks in 2024, which has included missing Cleary for nearly half the season.

However, fellow co-captain Yeo has led from the front this year. Looking ahead, Gould tipped Yeo to win the player-of-the-match honours against the Storm this weekend. And he even called for Yeo to replace James Tedesco as the Kangaroos captain at the end of the season.

“He should be player of the year, he should be the Australian captain,” Gould said on the ‘Six Tackles with Gus’ podcast. “I think he’s my tip for the Clive Churchill Medal to be honest.

“I think he’s been the best player in the competition from here to the moon. I don’t think there’s any comparison to his body of work from any player, from any club, from any position. The playmakers get all the plaudits … but for a sheer body of work, productive to his team, week in, week out, 80 minutes a week.

“He even played during the Origin period when his teammates stood down from games, such was his leadership and desire to keep the momentum for his team. Go out and ask any of the Panthers players who’s been the best player in their team this year … I bet they say Isaah Yeo.”