First no Ray Warren, now this: Big change to Nine’s State of Origin coverage means you’ll be seeing and hearing a LOT less of Phil Gould tonight
- Phil ‘Gus’ Gould confirmed he wouldn’t be doing his ‘final word’ segment
- It comes after news the retired Ray Warren won’t be calling the game
- Mathew Thompson will commentate his first ever Origin game tonight instead
The State of Origin coverage will look very different this year, with Ray Warren now retired and Phil Gould’s iconic ‘final word’ piece scrapped.
‘Gus’ Gould confirmed on Twitter he wouldn’t be delivering his hype piece to camera just before kick-off when asked by a fan whether he would have the final say before the game gets underway.
‘You doing the final word for Origin tonight, not watching if you’re not, that s*** could get me hyped for war,’ wrote the Twitter user.
Phil Gould won’t be delivering his iconic ‘final word’ in the Origin coverage tonight
‘No I’m not. It will be a cracking game. Don’t miss it,’ Gould replied.
Gould has been delivering his final word before each State of Origin game for many years.
One of the most authoritative voices in the game, ‘Gus’ delivers his rev-up right before kick-off, which aims to give viewers an insight into the game and get hairs standing on end.
Gould coached NSW to six series victories during his time in charge, and is now a Channel 9 commentator to go along with his gig as the general manager at the Bulldogs.
Phil Gould celebrates with NSW halfback Andrew Johns after winning Origin in 2003
Gould is now the general manager of the Bulldogs to go along with his regular commentating
Many fans likely breathed a sigh of relief that it won’t take place this year, while others decried that Origin just won’t be the same with ‘Rabs’ and ‘Gus’s final word’.
Mathew Thompson, the heir apparent, will call his first Origin game in Warren’s absence.
Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer, Paul Vautin, Paul Gallen, Danika Mason and Allana Ferguson will also feature on the coverage.
The game is due to begin at 8.10pm (AEST), with coverage to get underway on Channel 9 from 7pm.
The legendary Ray Warren won’t be calling the game either, after announcing his retirement