'Never had things like this': Phil Gould humbled by 'touching' 50th anniversary celebration
Many of rugby league's highest-profile figures have gathered to surprise Phil Gould in celebration of his 50 years in the game.
The surprise was organised by Bulldogs chairman Adam Driussi, who had gathered many of Gould's dearest companions in rugby league to pay tribute to Canterbury's general manager of football.
Ricky Stuart, Laurie Daley, Cameron Ciraldo, Cameron George and Yvonne Sampson were among the dozens who showed up to greet the man nicknamed "Gus".
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Another was Brad Fittler, who was coached by Gould at the Panthers and NSW Blues.
"To me, when I was younger he was like my father," Fittler told 9News' Danny Weidler.
"He opened his house, I went and lived with him for a while.
"Some of the decisions and the love he showed me when I was young has just made all the difference."
Phil Gould arrives for his surprise 50th anniversary celebration. 9News
This year marks 50 years since a 17-year-old Gould began his first pre-season with the Panthers.
He's had a remarkable journey in rugby league since then as a player, coach, commentator and administrator.
Gould was also surprised by Paul Vautin, who shared a Nine commentary box with the league icon for decades, until "Fatty" put the microphone down at the end of last season.
"To be in his company for 20 minutes, half an hour is one of the greatest things you'll ever go through in life," Vautin said.
Asked "why?", Vautin said: "Because he's so intelligent, he's so intelligent. Some people have said he actually should be running the game".
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Phil Gould on commentary duty for Nine. Getty
Former Nine chief executive David Gyngell also had kind words to share.
"He stands up for the little guy and pokes the big guy if he has to, but most important, just demonstrates passion, love and gives the game integrity," Gyngell said.
Gould was visibly humbled by the reception he received.
"I've never had a birthday party, I've never had things like this," he said.
"This was for other people. This was for people I work with or people I played with, because they were the stars of my life, they were the ones that I looked up to.
"I thank you so much. It's very touching and I appreciate it greatly."
