‘Know What You’re Dealing With’: NRL journalist Danny Weidler Reveals Key To Phil Gould’s Trust

Leading NRL journalist Danny Weidler has lifted the lid on his strong relationship with Bulldogs boss and Nine colleague Phil Gould, revealing how it’s taken over 30 years for the duo to be where they are today in the media landscape.

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Gould, whose storied history in rugby league as a player, coach, commentator, writer and administrator is well documented, is no stranger to coming under the firing line from journalists.

Weidler revealed on LiSTNR’s Footy Talk League Podcast just how it’s taken over 30 years for his relationship with Gould to be where it is today, with the Bulldogs boss well-known to have the names of rival journalists in the blocklist of his phone and Twitter.

“You’ve got to know what you’re dealing with, with Gus. You’ve got to ride through the good and the bad,” Weidler said.

“For me, he’s been great to me throughout my entire journalist career. He’s always taken my call.

“We’ve had a couple of blues here and there over the years, but that happens over 30 years.”

Weidler was speaking alongside Nine colleague and fellow NRL journalist Michael Chammas, who revealed that “some instances with Gus” over the years resulted in the pair falling out.

Weidler conceded there’s no one better in the game who understands the media better than Gould.

“Gus understands the media better than anyone,” he added.

“People on the outside, and I’m talking a lot of journalists because he doesn’t let a lot of people close, are obsessed with him.

“Some people can’t get enough of writing and talking about Gus.”

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Weidler