Last week, controversial Australian pundit and Canterbury Bulldogs chief Phil Gould stirred the pot ahead of today’s World Club Challenge.
When asked what the score would be, he stated that Penrith will be able to “declare” at half-time.
They should be able to declare by half time … https://t.co/8FFVxQQxBs
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 11, 2023
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.
But this time he has eaten his words at halftime giving St Helens credit after halftime as they lead 10-0 at the break through Jack Welsby and Konrad Hurrell tries.
He said on Twitter:
“St Helens playing much better to the conditions. Look far more comfortable in the battle. Panther look disjointed and struggling to put plays together. Saints defence is bustling and resilient. Panther needs to improve to get out of this. St Helens in control.”
Saints did nearly blow it with the Panthers fighting back but a Lewis Dodd drop goal in extra time won the game for the Super League Champions.
Gould has reacted on Twitter congratulating the Saints:
“Well done St Helens. That’s a mighty victory. Beat Panther to the punch early. Defended their lead with pride. Terrific stuff. Panther looked clunky but no excuses. They had months to prepare. St Helens too good on the night. Great result for Rugby League.”
Well done St Helens. That’s a mighty victory. Beat Panther to the punch early. Defended their lead with pride. Terrific stuff. Panther looked clunky but no excuses. They had months to prepare. St Helens too good on the night. Great result for Rugby League.
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 18, 2023
Now St Helens star Alex Walmsley has hit back at Gould with a tweet saying: “Get that into you Phil Gould.”
Get that into you @PhilGould15 🌚 pic.twitter.com/EgWV0RsT4K
— Alex Walmsley (@engywalmsley) February 18, 2023
Meanwhile, St Helens hilariously quote tweeted his comments with the simple caption: “hmm.”
Hmm. #COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking https://t.co/U0bFGFVF3u
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 18, 2023
Now Gould has responded to this.
Gould quote tweeted Alex Walmsley’s tweet with a thumbs up seemingly accepting he was wrong:
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 18, 2023