Gould showered with praise for recruitment trip to Fiji

General manager of the Bulldogs, Phil “Gus” Gould is currently enjoying the footy in Fiji, but rumours are he is not just there for a vacation, instead capitalising on an opportunity to recruit.

Matt Russell praised Gould’s strategic move, explaining he would not be surprised to see the Bulldogs' return to some fresh international talent.

“I wonder if he is getting tips of there being this prodigious talent,” Russell said on *SEN1170. *

“Every day, every park people are playing footy.

“Imagine if he went there and he just spots that absolutely rough diamond.”

“I wonder if Gus could come back with a name and a little vision on his phone of someone and say we’re going to sign this kid, unknown to anyone. Wouldn’t that be a story?”

With Fiji currently competing alongside Australia in the Pacific Championship, this marks the perfect time for NRL clubs to start discussions to both expand the league and bring in the best players to their clubs.

The Bulldogs have made their mark first, which Russell believes could have lasting impacts and be a huge factor in their future success.

“Gus has got ahead of the game, no other club is there," he added.

“He is there to firm up the relationship directly between the Bulldogs and whatever Fiji is doing in rugby league.

“It's a win win situation.”

Gould has already made waves in a recent X post, taking a picture with two rising Fijian stars who will join the Bulldogs Pathways Program.

Although any deals made may take a few years to take complete action, Russell believes the move is well worth it and is excited to see clubs take real action to expand the game of rugby league.