Canterbury Bulldogs director of football Phil Gould is out of hospital and has every intention of lining up for the grand final on Sunday with Channel Nine.
One of the longest tenured administrators and broadcasters in the game, Gould's involvement in one of Nine's biggest broadcasts of the year was thrown into doubt this week when it was revealed he was in hospital.
The director - who recently re-signed with the Bulldogs through to the end of 2031 - took himself to hospital on Monday and missed 100% Footy that night.
Reports have suggested a heart problem was what left Gould in hospital, although he continued to work with the Bulldogs from his hospital bed.
News Corp are now reporting he had had surgery on his heart while in hospital, but was released on Thursday and plans to participate in the grand final coverage, where it's expected he will be part of the panel throughout the afternoon and evening, while also working from the commentary box alongside Peter Psaltis for the State Championship match between NSW Cup premiers the New Zealand Warriors and QLD Cup counterparts the Burleigh Bears.
Gould took to social media on Thursday, saying everything was okay and that his regular blood tests needed further investigation.
“Thank you to all the very kind wellwishers. Greatly appreciated," Gould wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Everything is OK. “My regular blood tests this week showed up something else that needed investigation.
“Basically, I came in to change the tyres, and they found a problem with the engine. “Go figure.
“I'm lucky they found it early. “The Doctors and Hospital staff have been simply amazing, but hopefully I'm going home soon.
“Looking forward to Grand Final Day. “Best wishes to all.
“Thanks again.”
The State Championship kicks off at 1:20pm (AEST) on Sunday, while the NRLW grand final (Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos) kicks off at 4pm (AEST), and the men's decider (Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos) is due to get underway at 7:30pm (AEST).
