NRL: Gould back at Panthers

Phil Gould. Photo / Getty Images

Penrith have confirmed premiership-winning former coach and media commentator Phil Gould will join the National Rugby League club's "rugby league management team" immediately.

It is understood Gould, who played for the Panthers before coaching them to the 1991 title, could start at the club as soon as Monday, is expected to fill a coaching director role.

His first task will be to find a new head coach after the club decided this season would be current boss Matt Elliott's last in charge.

"Phil will work closely with (chief executive) Michael Leary, (marketing manager) Shannon Donato, (operations manager) Jason Wrigley, (recruitment manager) Jim Jones and the management team and will have direct involvement in all aspects of rugby league and in particular the coaching and team support operation," a club statement from chairman Don Feltis said.

Gould's contract with the Nine Network runs until the end of 2013, meaning he will need to juggle the new three-and-a-half year role with his media commitments, which also include columns for Fairfax newspapers.

Gould also coached Canterbury to a premiership in 1988 and is NSW's most successful State of Origin mentor.

He played for the Panthers between 1976-79.

- AAP