Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George has today confirmed leading rugby league powerbroker Phil Gould’s appointment as a club-wide consultant.
George said Gould will provide advice and guidance in key strategic areas designed to build the Vodafone Warriors’ trans-Tasman commercial and general profile.
“This appointment is exceptionally significant and critical to the future of our business as a whole and equally to the game in general both in New Zealand and in Australia,” he said.
This appointment is exceptionally significant and critical to the future of our business
Cameron George Vodafone Warriors CEO
“Phil is held in the highest regard as a rugby league expert both on and off the park.
“He has an extensive and successful coaching history and is highly sought after in the media through his roles with Channel 9 and other organisations. He also achieved so much in rebuilding the Penrith Panthers to where they are right now.
“He’ll play a huge role in helping to take us to a new level as a club.”
George said Gould will work with the club on commercial and football opportunities as well as reviewing structures and pathways in the game with a view to bringing long-term benefits for the Vodafone Warriors and for the game generally in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
“There’s no question this is an exciting challenge,” said Gould.
“The owners Mark (Robinson) and Rob (Croot) and Cameron have a real passion for rugby league and they’re highly motivated to build the Vodafone Warriors into a powerful club over the coming years.
A strong Warriors club is a great asset to the NRL
Phil Gould Newly-appointed Vodafone Warriors consultant
“A strong Warriors club is a great asset to the NRL, not to mention its importance to the continued development of international rugby league, which I know is a priority for Peter V'Landys and the ARL Commission.”
After a 104-game first grade playing career, Gould coached the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers to premiership titles as well as being coaching director at the Sydney Roosters when they beat the Vodafone Warriors in the 2002 NRL grand final final. He also coached New South Wales to three consecutive State of Origin series wins in 1992, 1993 and 1994 followed by a 3-0 whitewash in 1996. In a second stint with the Blues he guided them to two more triumphs as well as a drawn series in 2002-2004.
He took up a role as general manager with the Penrith Panthers from 2011-2019 when he drove the rebuilding of the club, which is currently leading this year’s NRL competition.
Gould was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2014 for “significant service to rugby league football as an administrator, commentator, coach and player and to the community.”
PHIL GOULD
Born: July 15, 1958
Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales
Coaching Career:
Club:
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach 1988-1989
Penrith Panthers coach 1990-1994
Sydney City Roosters coach 1994-1999
Representative:
New South Wales coach 1992-1996
New South Wales coach 2002-2004
Management:
Sydney Roosters coaching director 2002-2006
Penrith Panthers general manager 2011-2019
Playing Career:
Position: Second row
Junior Club: Wentworthville Magpies
Club Career:
Penrith Panthers 1976-1979
Newtown Jets 1981-1982
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1983-1985
South Sydney Rabbitohs 1986
Club Appearances: 104
