Phil Gould played 103 NRL games for Penrith, Newtown, Canterbury Bulldogs and South Sydney. He coached Canterbury Bankstown, Penrith and Sydney Roosters winning premierships at both the Bulldogs and the Panthers.
He coached the NSW State of Origin team to 5 series wins over Queensland. 24 games as the Blues coach, winning 15 games.
Phil is a long time media commentator with Nine Entertainment and continues to be a powerful influence and inspiration across the game he loves.
He is also a passionate cricket fan. Let’s find out more about his fondness for the game of cricket.
Phil Gould a happy NSW State of Origin coach
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Doug Walters was my favourite. He wouldn’t know, but he presented me with a trophy at a district presentation one night when I was 12. It’s why I never knock back the invitation to attend junior or school presentation nights.
When did you first start developing a love for the game and what is it about cricket that you enjoy most?
From a very young age. Dad played a lot of cricket. I used to love going to watch him play. I used to sit there and pray someone didn’t turn up because they would let me field for them. I joined the local team Wenty Waratahs when I was 9 years old. That was 1967. Always watched any cricket that was on TV. Listened to radio broadcasts. I loved every part of it. Being part of a team. The importance of individual contribution. The battle between bat and ball. LOVED close finishes. Loved being part of the action every minute. Not a good spectator.
Tell us briefly about your journey in the game, where you’ve played, what clubs and how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I played with Wenty Waratahs from 9 years of age. At 12 years of age I would play junior cricket in the morning. Then race home for lunch, before going to play in the men’s comp in the afternoon. At 14 I was selected to play with the men’s A Grade team. I got to play in the same team as my Dad, which was a thrill. I played with them until I gave it away at about 19 years of age. I played in all the junior representative teams for Central Cumberland 10s, 12s, 14s, then Under 16s Watson and Green Shield. Cumberland used to have me in a development squad training at Kings Oval Parramatta with the grade players. They were great days indeed.
Describe myself as a cricketer? Opening batsman. Wicket keeper. I bowled a lot as a kid, but wicket keeping took over as I got older. I would’ve loved to play Grade cricket as I got older, but rugby league eventually took over and I couldn’t play both.
What was your highest score?
I scored a number of centuries for Wenty Waratahs in all age groups. I thought my favourite ever innings was in the Men’s A Grade Grand Final when I was only 14 years of age.
What were your best bowling figures?
I bowled a lot as a kid. Several hat- tricks – I think 8 for 11 was my best.
Which club and or competition do you support?
I have always followed NSW and Australia. No particular club. I still look up the grade scores every weekend. It’s a habit that’s never left me.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Playing in the same team as my Dad. He was the A Grade wicket keeper at the time. I turned up one day and he gave me the gloves. He fielded at first slip. Remember it like it was yesterday
Who has been your favourite Australian captain?
Ian Chappell. It was obviously when I was young, but watching his aggression and courage, the way he led his team, had a big influence on me.
Who’s been the batsman you’ve enjoyed watching the most?
I loved watching Doug Walters, but I studied Greg Chappell a lot. He was classical and so meticulous. The best innings I ever witnessed was Sir Garfield Sobers. Obviously Sir Vivian Richards. Many great batsmen since of course. But as a kid you are most influenced.
Greg Chappell
Sir Garfield Sobers
Who in your opinion has been the best fast bowler?
Dennis Lillee
Who in your opinion has been the best spinner?
Shane Warne
Who in your opinion has been the best wicket keeper?
Hard one. Ian Healy.
Who in your opinion has been the best umpire?
Dickie Bird. Special mention to Steve Bucknor and Ian Gould
What’s the most picturesque ground you’ve had the opportunity to watch or play a game of cricket?
I love the Sydney Cricket Ground.
If there was one match up, a bowler and batsman going head to head at their peak, who would you choose?
Lillee v Richards
Dennis Lillee
What’s your preferred format of the game, Test Cricket, One day games, T20?
Test Cricket. No contest
What do Cricket Officials need to do over the next 10 or so years to ensure people get to enjoy the game as much as you do?
Promote participation at all age groups. Coach the coaches.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
Ian Chappell, Doug Walters, Richie Benaud
Who would be your Australian Test cricket captain to follow Tim Paine?
Steve Smith
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