Phil “Gus” Gould, former Sydney Roosters head coach and veteran NRL figure, is officially set to embark on a new era at the Canberra Raiders. The announcement, confirmed in recent days, marks a major shift for the Raiders’ football operations. Gould—whose storied career spans premiership coaching roles with Canterbury and Penrith, media influence at Channel 9, and leadership positions off-field—is joining Canberra in a senior advisory capacity([sportingnews.com][1], [reddit.com][2]).
Raiders CEO Don Furner Jr. described his recruitment of Gould as “transformational,” highlighting Gus’s talent for strategic planning, culture building, and player development. Gould’s reputation for revamping junior talent pathways—seen at Penrith and Bulldogs—was singled out as a key asset for the Raiders’ long-term ambitions.
Speaking at the press briefing, Gould said, “I’m excited to work with Ricky Stuart, the coaching staff, and young talents here in Canberra,” and emphasized his focus on strengthening the Raiders’ academy and nurturing local athletes. The move indicates Canberra’s commitment to reinvigorating their football infrastructure after recent seasons of inconsistency.
Gould’s appointment is expected to bring renewed emphasis on development and culture, potentially reshaping the Raiders’ future competitiveness. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Gus’s impact resonates through Canberra’s ranks.
