NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo warned the Bulldogs last year about Gould’s commentary in his media role, which includes his Six Tackles With Gus podcast.
He met Canterbury officials last year after Gould criticised several NRL decisions, including the lack of salary cap relief for retired captain Josh Jackson and a judiciary matter involving Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston.
Bulldogs boss Phil Gould.Credit: Getty
The NRL breach notice proposes Gould be fined $20,000, half of which will be suspended for 24 months.
Gould is a registered club official and is subject to the NRL’s code of conduct. He was fined because the league considered his comments not in the best interests of the game.
“We welcome constructive criticism and passionate opinions, but registered officials cannot overstep the mark and make comments that are considered detrimental to the game or NRL competition,” Abdo said.
“Destructive attacks on the game itself will not be tolerated. This is a professional sport and our leaders should set the standard around reasoned debate and respect for the game.”
In a statement, the NRL said: “The code provides that no person bound by the code shall engage in any conduct which is detrimental to, brings into disrepute, is inconsistent with, is contrary to, or is prejudicial to, the best interests, image or welfare of the ARLC, the NRL, the NRL competition, the related competitions, the representative competitions, the clubs or the game”.
Several rival NRL clubs have, in the past, privately raised concerns over Gould’s media commentary while holding a role with the Bulldogs.
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Gould joined Canterbury almost three years ago and has slowly helped rebuild the battling club.
No players from Canterbury’s top 30 roster in 2021 remain in coach Cameron Ciraldo’s current squad.
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