Why Gould wouldn’t talk about the only thing everyone is talking about

May 28, 2026 — 5:00pm

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Phil Gould used to drive the news cycle with his opinions. Now he generates headlines when he doesn’t share them.

The biggest talking point stemming from the opening State of Origin encounter was the only one Gould wasn’t prepared to broach. NSW’s most successful coach, during a post-game show analysing the biggest comeback win in interstate history, wouldn’t be drawn on the controversial Kalyn Ponga send-off.

The Blues’ thrilling 22-20 victory is unlikely to have transpired if not for Ponga’s dismissal. The Queensland fullback was marched in the 58th minute for a shoulder charge on Tolu Koula that prematurely ended both their........

© The Sydney Morning Herald