NRL Icon Phil Gould Hospitalized with Serious Health Scare Amid Bulldogs Tenure

Phil Gould Hospitalized with ‘Significant Health Concerns’
By Ed Carruthers, Assistant Sports Editor, Australia
Published: 10:38 BST, 1 October 2025 | Updated: 10:47 BST, 1 October 2025

Rugby league icon Phil Gould has been admitted to the hospital amid serious health issues, according to reports from Nine News reporter Danny Weidler. The unexpected announcement came during Tuesday’s Dally M Awards, where Weidler revealed Gould had been under medical care since Monday and faces “a big couple of days ahead.”

Gould is a respected figure in NRL circles as both a commentator and Bulldogs executive.

Gould, 67, serves as the Canterbury Bulldogs’ General Manager of Football and is a prominent NRL analyst for Channel Nine. Weidler shared on social media platform X that he had contacted Gould to wish him a swift recovery. “Nine league expert and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has been in hospital since Monday and has some significant health concerns,” he wrote. Further details about his condition remain undisclosed.

The news sent shockwaves through the rugby community, with fans and colleagues flooding social media with support. Gould, a former player, coach, and administrator, has been a towering figure in the sport for decades. His leadership at the Bulldogs, where he has worked since 2021 to rebuild the team’s roster, has earned widespread praise.

Gould (center) has been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ recruitment strategy.

As of now, neither Gould’s family nor the Bulldogs have released an official statement. Channel Nine also declined to comment, citing privacy reasons. The lack of updates has left fans anxiously awaiting further news.

Gould’scontributions to rugby league are unparalleled. As a coach, he led the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters to premiership victories and served as NSW Blues’ coaching director during their 2014 State of Origin triumph. His sharp insights as a commentator have made him a household name.

The Bulldogs, currently in their offseason, are expected to address Gould’s absence in the coming days. His health battle underscores the pressures of roles that blend high-profile media commitments with club management.

Weidler’s brief update has highlighted the close-knit nature of the NRL community, with tributes pouring in for the beloved figure. For now, the league world holds its breath, hoping for positive news about Gould’s recovery.

More to follow.

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Footy legend Phil Gould is rushed to hospital with ‘significant health concerns’

(Images sourced from Daily Mail archives)

Note: Word count adjusted to concisely capture key details while incorporating image placements. Original content condensed to focus on critical updates and contextual background.