Canterbury coach Trent Barrett has defended the fact Phil Gould took charge of a video and training session on Tuesday.
Barrett confirmed that Gould – the club’s general manager of football – addressed the players in a video session following a 34-14 round seven loss to the Broncos, part of which the coaching icon labelled “unacceptable”.
According to a Fox Sports report Gould was then hands-on for a field session with the team – duties that would typically be undertaken by the team’s head coach or a delegate.
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Barrett spoke to Fox Sports to explain Gould’s presence.
“I wanted Gus to have a voice in a certain part of the field and give the team a bit of a rocket around our discipline and our line speed,” Barrett said.
“I’ve absolutely got no dramas with it because Gus can help us. That’s what he’s there for. He’s been terrific for me.
“He wants to win too and we all want results so if he thinks he can help with a couple of things then by all means, help. We’re all in it together.”
The Bulldogs won their first game of the season but have since lost six straight.
A fortnight ago, Barrett was heavily criticised by sections of the media for selecting halfback Kyle Flanagan to make his return against Penrith.
Barrett axed Flanagan from the team last year, and it was seen as throwing the young playmaker to the wolves, pitting him against the NRL’s best side.
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Gould used his Wide World of Sports podcast Six Tackles with Gus to blast the attacks on Barrett, and take responsibility for the Flanagan selection.
“When I get a call from the coach (Barrett) on Monday morning asking if he could pick Kyle (for first grade), I said ‘why do you want to do that?'” Gould said.
“He gave me the reasons… Trent Barrett’s reasons were clear and I said Kyle was ready for NRL.
“It’s my responsibility as to how Kyle’s been prepared for this season and to when he comes back into the NRL. Not Trent Barrett, not the Bulldogs, that’s me.”
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