Super League

Another Australian pundit forced to eat his words after writing off St Helens

by
Cam Pattison
February 19, 2023

Controversial Australian pundit and Canterbury Bulldogs chief Phil Gould stirred the pot ahead of the World Club Challenge as he questioned if St Helens actually named their strongest side for a friendly against St George Illawarra Dragons.

“Is this St Helens top side? Or are they resting some?” he said on Twitter in the start of a story that would dominate the build up and the fall out of the clash between Penrith and St Helens for the World title.

Is this St Helens top side? Or are they resting some?

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 11, 2023

He made matters worse when asked what the score would be in the World CLub Challenge stating that Penrith will be able to “declare” at halftime.

He said when asked “Panthers by how many?”: “They should be able to declare by half time.”

They should be able to declare by half time … https://t.co/8FFVxQQxBs

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 11, 2023

A bold statement to say at the expense of Super League’s four time reigning Champions who have built a dynasty like nothing else seen in the world of modern rugby league.

Gould made headlines in the World Cup when he said England “can’t” beat Samoa in the World Cup only for England to defeat Samoa 60-6.

However, he was eventually proved right when Samoa beat England in the semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium.

This time his opinion has been echoed by a former State of Origin representative and a “rugby league legend” as he refers to himself in his Twitter bio Darryl Brohman.

Known as “The Big Marn” as a big media personality on The Footy Show, he believes the result will go the same was Gould.

The former Penrith man has backed them to win “easily” against the Super League Champions.

Responding to Gould’s comments, The Big Marn said:

“I think he’s right. Panthers win easily.”

I think he is right. Panthers win easily

— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) February 13, 2023

However, of course both were proved massively wrong by the Saints yesterday who stunned Penrith with a sensational 13-12 win over the Panthers to be crowned World Champions.

Like Gould, Brohman has also responded to being wrong praising St Helens.

He said:

“I may have made an error in my assessment of the St Helens team last night. Congratulations to them……Outstanding performance. They smothered the Panthers all night. Incredible effort.”

I may have made an error in my assessment of the St Helens team last night. Congratulations to them……Outstanding performance. They smothered the Panthers all night. Incredible effort👏

— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) February 18, 2023

He went on to congratulate former NRL star Curtis Sironen:

Well done mate. You are your team mates were outstanding. Congratulations https://t.co/8KdlpmyPCT

— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) February 18, 2023

He was also wowed by St Helens star Jack Welsby: