The Mole: Storm Snaps Up Phil Gould’s Son; Dragons Official Left Embarrassed After Souths’ Failed Jibe

The Melbourne Storm have secured the services of one of rugby league’s brightest young administrators from the Sharks – Phil Gould’s son, Jack Gould.

Recognised as Cronulla’s Club Person of the Year in October, Gould has landed a pivotal role tasked with steering the Storm into becoming a formidable force in the NRLW.

While the Melbourne club has yet to make its debut in the NRLW, Gould faces the significant challenge of establishing and developing the Storm’s women’s program.

Gould has previously made significant contributions to Cronulla’s women’s program over the past few years and has built a strong reputation independently from his well-known father at Canterbury.

He will begin his role in Melbourne by supervising the club’s inaugural female teams in the junior Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale Cups this season.

Once the teams are well established, the Storm will vigorously pursue obtaining an NRLW licence, with Gould leading the charge.

With five years of experience at the Sharks as Female Pathways Coordinator, he played a vital role in the successful NRLW entry for the club in 2023.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Storm and contributing to the growth of our female pathways from the grassroots level,” Gould expressed following his appointment.

Dragons official embarrassed after criticising ‘reserve grade’ squad

An official at the Dragons is feeling quite embarrassed following Saturday night’s unexpected defeat to a makeshift Souths squad in the Charity Shield.

Before the match, the official expressed to a contact at Souths that the Rabbitohs were undermining the integrity of the game by resting their full squad for what is seen as the most significant pre-season trial.

In a surprising twist, the underdog Rabbitohs managed to secure a win against the fully-stacked Dragons, leaving the official with little to say in the aftermath.

Bears maintain pursuit of Leeds star

Polish-born England Test prop Mikolaj Oledzki has responded to speculation regarding interest from the Perth, downplaying any connection, but sources suggest the Bears’ interest in the Leeds star is growing.

The 27-year-old Oledzki told British media, “I want to douse any flames, as I’m happy with Leeds and looking forward to the upcoming season.”

However, with the Bears facing challenges in signing established NRL talent for their inaugural season, a move towards the Super League is on their radar, and Oledzki remains a top target.

Though Oledzki is contracted to Leeds until the conclusion of 2028, it is widely acknowledged in the NRL that contracts often fail to hold significant weight.

Roosters lock in teenage talent with long-term deals

The Roosters are deepening their roster by signing two promising 17-year-olds hailing from the Central Coast.

Halfback Cooper Wrankmore and goal-kicking centre Ethan Lee have both committed to three-year contracts with the Roosters.

They are part of the Central Coast Sports College and are involved in the Sydney Roosters Academy on the coast.

Known for their incredible speed, both have also made a name for themselves representing NSW in touch football and Oztag at the junior level.