Phil Gould reveals ‘whisper’ on Maika Sivo’s future ahead of potential reunion with Brad Arthur
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has likely confirmed the next move of Maika Sivo with the winger set for the exit from Parramatta.
Sivo has a number of options in his contract until the end of 2027 but will be a casualty of Jason Ryles’ regime.
Earlier in the week, a report emerged from English publication Rugby League Live that Sivo could be joining his former Eels coach Brad Arthur at Leeds Rhinos.
Gould confirmed that is likely to be the case as Sivo scored the final try in Fiji’s loss to PNG.
“I believe he’s close to signing over in England with Leeds,” Gould said on Nine’s coverage.
“I heard a whisper this morning.”
Sivo will make for another recent NRL signing if he does move to Leeds, after Keenan Palasia joined the club.
The departure of the winger continues Ryles’ mission to reshape the club’s roster.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard has signed with the Titans while Clint Gutherson has been given permission to speak with rivals.
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Phil Gould demoted in eye-opening decision for Channel 9’s coverage of NRL grand final
The NRL supremo is considered one of the best minds in the NRL.
Fans won’t be hearing veteran commentator Phil Gould during the NRL grand final after Channel Nine opted to use the supremo for analysis for the State Championship earlier in the day. Gould’s commentary in the big game has come under criticism in recent years after the coverage copped backlash from the 2020 final between the same teams.
In 2020, Gould hit back at claims from fans he was ‘biased’ in commentary during the final between the Panthers and the Storm. Gould – a former general manager of football at the Penrith – blasted the claims as false.
However, fast-forward to 2024 and Gould won’t even be calling the NRL final and instead will be providing expert analysis on the Newtown Jets and Norths Devils final. The main commentator for the NRL final on Channel Nine will be Matt Thompson with NRL legends Andrew Johns and Billy Slater providing analysis. Roosters great Brad Fittler and Danika Mason will perform the sideline duties throughout the showpiece event in Sydney.
Brenton Speed will call the NRLW final. Gould is considered one of the best minds in the NRL and many will feel his absence is a hit to the commentary team. The current Bulldogs general manager of football, Gould has done less and less commentary on big games in recent years having appeared less frequently in coverage for State of Origin.
Despite Gould’s absence on the broadcast, it didn’t stop him making a few predictions for the grand final. Having claimed the Storm and Panthers could deliver one of the all-time great grand finals, he also went one step further and gave his prediction on who would win the Clive Churchill medal.
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