Phil Gould's shock commentary move for State of Origin Game II

Veteran NRL commentator Gus Gould won’t be calling State of Origin II in Sydney after announcing his absence on social media.

The former NSW Blues coach and a mainstay in the Channel Nine commentary team came under criticism for his role in the NRL Grand Final when he was accused of being “biased”.

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Gould immediately slammed the criticism and told fans to rewatch the game.

But after his role in State of Origin I, which NSW loss 18-14 to a resurgent Queensland Maroons outfit, Gould said he wouldn’t be involved.

Instead, NRL immortal Andrew Johns and Billy Slater will round off the team with Ray Warren.

Gould said Johns called Game II last year and is the future of the Channel Nine commentary team.

Gould backlash after NRL Grand Final

Australia watched on as the Storm dominated the first half of the NRL grand final, but some on social media were critical of the Channel Nine commentary.

The Storm raced away to a 22-0 lead at half-time, before the Panthers staged a thrilling second half comeback - falling just short in a 26-20 defeat.

But Melbourne fans were perplexed as to why former Penrith General Manager, and current Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould, appeared to be heaping praise on the Panthers when they were losing.

“I honestly feel the Panthers are on top,” Gould said.

Many fans, including a host of Melbourne supporters, let their feelings be known.

Gould also told his critics to “go back and listen” to the commentary after claiming he was just being honest.

“They need to go back and listen (to the commentary) again. They only hear what they want to hear,” he said on 2GB radio Monday morning.

“There is a difference between bias and honesty, I’m always honest.”

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