Footy legend Phil Gould has produced another fiery State of Origin moment by stunning his co-hosts on Channel Nine as he blasted the Blues after their loss in game two on Wednesday night.
The Bulldogs boss was fuming and in no mood for debate after coach Laurie Daley’s team were drubbed 44-22 at the MCG, with the defeat raising plenty of questions about controversial selections.
Gould shot down host James Bracey when asked if he agreed with Blues legend Andrew Johns that Cameron Murray should start in game three after being used off the bench in Melbourne.
‘Tonight’s not the night to be looking at selections,’ Gould said, throwing his fellow panellists Darren Lockyer and Brad Fittler into an awkward silence.
‘They’ve got another two club rounds to get through before they can pick a team [for game three on July 8].
‘And I’ve got some advice for them [the NSW selectors]: stop listening to advice.
Footy legend and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould produced another bizarre Origin outburst after the Blues lost game two on Wednesday night
Gould’s fellow panellists (left to right) James Bracey, Darren Lockyer and Brad Fittler sat in awkward silence as he railed against the NSW team’s selections
‘Gus’ had some advice for the Blues’ top brass after shooting down Bracey’s question (pictured, NSW players during the defeat)
‘Stop listening to people in the media. Stop listening to experts on panels.
‘Stop reading the papers and sit down, analyse the game, get a game plan together and pick a team that can execute the game plan.
‘Very frustrating, our selection process, I’m afraid.’
The decision to drop Haumole Olakau’atu, only give Ethan Strange 16 minutes of playing time and not use Apisai Koroisau off the bench have all been heavily criticised by fans and experts in the wake of the loss.
Gould’s spray was reminiscent of another blunt reply he gave on the Nine panel straight after the Cockroaches won game one.
On that occasion, ‘Gus’ flat-out refused to answer when Bracey asked whether he thought Kalyn Ponga deserved to be sent off for his controversial hit on Tolu Koula.
Gould refused to speak as the rest of the panel sat in stunned silence.
After a pause, the former NSW coach said, ‘James, I suggest you ask someone else mate, rather than me, if you don’t mind.’
Viewers could have heard a pin drop on set as the other Nine stars looked taken aback.
‘I would like for you to keep your job,’ Gould then joked
A clearly upset Bracey responded, ‘We are having an open discussion about an incident that happened tonight.’
