Phil Gould lashes out over 'embarrassing' NRL farce: 'Totally wrong'
The Canterbury Bulldogs supremo has blasted the NRL's transfer system after the club was linked to Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Phil Gould has blasted reports the Canterbury Bulldogs are making a move to try and sign Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona, lashing out at the 'embarrassing' transfer system in place in the NRL. Earlier this week the Daily Telegraph reported that the Bulldogs were considering bringing in the forward once his contract with the Storm expires.
But the development was news to Bulldogs football manager Gould, who blasted the reports on Thursday night. Responding to a fan when asked about Asofa-Solomona, Gould wrote on Twitter: “It’s never been discussed.
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“He’s a terrific player, but Nelson has never once been mentioned at the Bulldogs. I don’t know who makes this stuff up, but they keep doing it. They are never held to any account.”
Gould is growing increasingly frustrated that the Bulldogs have been linked to so many players. He added: “It doesn’t concern me, but it concerns rival clubs. It’s totally irresponsible. Mind you, the whole recruitment system is wrong. It’s an embarrassment to our code – but no one has the courage to fix it.”
Asofa-Solomona has played 164 first grade games - all with the Melbourne Storm. He has also played 11 Test matches for New Zealand.
It’s never been discussed. He’s a terrific player, but Nelson has never once been mentioned at the Bulldogs. I don’t know who makes up this stuff, but they keep doing it. They are never held to any account. https://t.co/OikLQzakdY
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) December 21, 2022
It doesn’t concern me. But it concerns rival clubs. It’s totally irresponsible. Mind you, the whole recruitment system is wrong. It’s an embarrassment to our code. But no one has the courage to fix it. https://t.co/Gu0wlt9C4e
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) December 21, 2022
Souths re-sign Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker
The NRL off-season has seen a number of moves made, with Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker re-signing with the Rabbitohs this week after Dylan Brown extended his deal with Parramatta. Mitchell is staying put until at least the end of 2027, while Walker has signed a two-year contract extension.
"I'm definitely grateful to be able to set my future in concrete here," Mitchell said on Wednesday. "I want to be here for the rest of my career. I definitely feel at home here and that's all that matters to me - that home feeling. It's a pretty emotional day."
Walker will be 35 by the time his new deal expires. However he doesn't think it will be his last. "Don't write me off," he said. "I started a little bit later, it'll probably help prolong my career a bit.
"I've let myself grow into the body and wasn't taking the hits at age 18 and 19. Touch wood. We'll see what happens."
On Monday, Parramatta announced the re-signing of five eighth Dylan Brown to a two-year contract extension. The new deal includes an option to remain with the Eels until the end of the 2031 season, by which time Brown will be 31.
"I left New Zealand to pursue an NRL career when I was 15, and the Eels have been home for me ever since," Brown said. "It's been an amazing journey so far, and the club has an exciting future that I want to be part of for a long time.
"I'm grateful to be a part of this club, from Brad (coach Brad Arthur) and the coaches to my teammates, all the staff, our members and fans, I couldn't picture myself anywhere else."
with AAP
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