‘Problem with the engine’: Phil Gould speaks after being hospitalised

Channel Nine commentator and Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould says “everything is OK” after he was hospitalised in the past 48 hours while undergoing tests on his heart.

The news of Gould’s health scare broke during the Dally M awards on Wednesday night, with Bulldogs officials confirming Gould went to a hospital late on Monday.

Gould broke his silence on Thursday morning, thanking fans for their support and reassuring the rugby league community he was on the mend.

“Thank you to all the very kind well-wishers. Greatly appreciated. Everything is ok,” Gould said.

“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.”

Gould was meant to appear on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night, but withdrew from filming.

Club officials, who were attending the Dally M awards at Royal Randwick on Wednesday night, confirmed Gould would remain in hospital. They said Gould had continued to work from his hospital bed.

Channel Nine journalist Danny Weidler said via social media Gould faced a “big couple of days”.

“Nine league expert and Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has been in hospital since Monday and has some significant health concerns,” Weidler posted to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Big couple of days for Gus. Spoke to him a short time ago and wishing him good health.”

The Bulldogs were knocked out of the finals by Gould’s former club Penrith in their semi-final. Gould appeared on air the following day to defend the mid-year signing of controversial halfback Lachlan Galvin.

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