PENRITH PANTHERS are ready to rubber stamp the appointment of Phil Gould as coaching director in a move which could clear the way for Giants coach Nathan Brown’s return to the Australian NRL.
There has been widespread talk that Gould – who coached the Panthers to their maiden premiership in 1991 – would return to the club in 2012.
The Panthers last month announced coach Matthew Elliott's contract would not be renewed, with their bid to lure Tim Sheens back to the club falling flat when the veteran mentor re-signed with Wests Tigers.
While details of Gould’s exact role were not clear, it is believed he will have an overseeing role with a relatively inexperienced coach working under him.
Current assistant coach Steve Georgallis is believed to be one of the candidates to fill the head coach role.
But Gould's appointment could see Brown, who has not coached in the NRL since he was replaced by Wayne Bennett at St George Illawarra after the 2008 season, return to the NRL.
Gould is a known fan of Brown's ability, while the former Dragons hooker has impressed during his three-year stint with Huddersfield in Super League.
Panthers chief executive Michael Leary has been unavailable for comment, but a report on the Nine Network – Gould’s current employer – claimed all that was left was for the deal to be given board approval.
As well as Brown, others who have been linked to the Panthers post include Bradford Bulls boss Mick Potter and Castleford chief Terry Matterson, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has expressed a desire to return to his native Australia.
