Phil Gould has admitted he is open to assisting the NSW Blues next season, with long-time associate Brad Fittler in the midst of a contract renewal process with the board.
After losing the past two series and his current deal expiring at the end of 2023, Fittler is battling to save his job and continue in the State of Origin arena for at least another year and looks set to make some changes to his staff.
Greg Alexander revealed last week he would be stepping down from his role as chief advisor, while the likes of Danny Buderus and Paul McGregor are also expected to move on.
The departure of Alexander has opened the door for Fittler to send an S.O.S to his mentor in the hopes of turning the Blues around and regaining the Origin shield next year.
MORE: Brian To'o takes out top gong at NSWRL Awards Night
Phil Gould open to working with NSW Blues, Brad Fittler
Speaking on 100% Footy on Monday night, Gould revealed the details of his conversations with Fittler and why he felt obliged to lend a hand to the NSW legend.
“I can’t remember any time in my life where I asked Brad Fittler to do something and he didn’t say yes straight away and went and done it... I’ve tried to repay that," he said.
"He rang me last week to say that Greg Alexander was stepping down from his role and that he’d like me to get involved with the Blues. I think it’s only simply to talk to him and whatever he needs.
"He really didn’t explain what he wanted me to do and I’m certainly not chasing a job. He was talking about a paid position, I’m certainly not chasing a paid position with NSWRL.
"If Brad Fittler needs something from me, I’ll say yes."
Gould and Fittler both became acquainted in the early-1990s, with the pair working together at the Panthers, before rekindling their relationship at the Roosters from 1995-1999.
The current Bulldogs boss also coached Fittler in the representative arena on numerous occasions and the pair have remained close friends ever since - but that didn't stop Gould from levelling a hard truth at the current Blues coach.
"I think it will come down to tenure – I don’t think there’s any doubt Brad Fittler will probably be appointed, but for how long? I think he was looking for a couple of years," Gould said.
"They’ve lost two in a row and it would be hard to keep your job if you’ve lost three in a row. That’s the nature of the beast, he understands it.
“He’s yet to be appointed, that comes this week and he spoke to me about his plans for other people he is going to bring into the coaching staff and inner sanctum around Origin.
"It’s important for the Blues, they’ve lost two in a row and you can’t go on like that… he needs a win."