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Phil Gould roasted by rugby league fans over savage St Helens swipe

The rugby league icon has been left with egg on his face after emphatically writing off St Helens in the World Club Challenge.

Adam Lucius
·Contributor
·3-min read
Phil Gould's swipe at St Helens came back to bite him after the English side beat the Penrith Panthers to win the World Club Challenge. Pic: Getty
Phil Gould's swipe at St Helens came back to bite him after the English side beat the Penrith Panthers to win the World Club Challenge. Pic: Getty

Phil Gould has removed the foot from his mouth to graciously commend St Helens on their stunning World Club Challenge win over Penrith. But it hasn't stopped the pile-on from Saints players and fans.

Gould led the army of doubters, giving the English club no chance whatsoever of getting close to the Panthers, the two-time NRL champions. Gus tweeted last week Penrith "should be able to declare by half-time", but that prediction proved well wide of the mark as the rank outsiders pulled off a remarkable 13-12 win at BlueBet Stadium.

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The former Panthers boss, now ensconced at Canterbury, sensed an upset was on the cards after St Helens opened up a 10-0 lead at the break.

He tweeted: “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."

The visitors endured some nervy moment in the second half as Penrith launched a comeback, but held on to claim a famous victory via a Lewis Dodd golden point field point. Gould was quick to acknowledge the enormity of the win.

He wrote: “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."

PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: St Helens ccelebrate with the World Club Challenge trophy after victory during the World Club Challenge and NRL Trial Match between the Penrith Panthers and St Helens at BlueBet Stadium on February 18, 2023 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: St Helens ccelebrate with the World Club Challenge trophy after victory during the World Club Challenge and NRL Trial Match between the Penrith Panthers and St Helens at BlueBet Stadium on February 18, 2023 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) (Mark Metcalfe via Getty Images)

League fans make Phil Gould eat his words

Saints players took little time to remind Gus of his pre-match jibe, thanking him for providing extra motivation.

Saints prop Alex Walmsley tagged Gould in a tweet, saying "get that into you" while five-eighth Jonny Lomax added "Cba finding the Phil Gould comment to reply. Great team talk."

Gould, to his credit, took the cheeky snipes well, responding to both players and congratulating them on the win. But English fans are not likely to let Gus off anytime soon, taunting the NRL guru.

One Saints supporter wrote: "Now there’s something to declare (at customs) A WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONS TROPHY!!!!! Enjoy the celebrations!!!!"

Another commented: "You're never going to live this one down @PhilGould15. Cricket score my arse."

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