Gould early contender for NRL buy of the year

Phil Gould is shaping as an early contender for rugby league’s best buy of the 2021 season as he quickly wins over New Zealand Warriors officials.

While new coach Nathan Brown has full control of the NRL team and continues to manage his playing group split across both sides of the Tasman, Gould has quietly gone about working his magic behind the scenes.

‘‘There are so many people who think they know about rugby league, but only a handful of people actually do, and Gus is one of them,’’ Warriors chief executive Cameron George told the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘‘I enjoy his thinking. I know the club, the owners, the staff, he’s been on Zoom calls with them, he’s very respectful and doesn’t overplay his hand. He doesn’t pigeon-hole himself into any one area.

‘‘He’s been willing and able to do whatever we need him to do and whenever we need him to do it. I can see once we’re able to travel freely, he’ll have a huge impact on not only our club but the wider game in New Zealand, which is why we attracted him to the role.’’

Gould signed on as a consultant with the Warriors in August with his main brief to improve the pathways programme for the next generation of New Zealand league stars.

The Warriors have made it clear Brown is in charge of league matters and there will be no interference from Gould, which was often a criticism levelled against the 62-year-old from some Penrith officials during his time at the Panthers.

George said Brown had been ‘‘absolutely fantastic’’ in his first six weeks in the top job.

With Brown’s fresh enthusiasm, Gould’s knowledge and a host of new players, there is good reason Warriors fans hope their team will return to the finals.