There are reports the Penrith Panthers’ Executive General Manager will be stepping down.

Phil Gould’s eight-year tenure will reportedly come to an end at a board meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The Panthers have confirmed Mr Gould believes he should be made redundant (see full statement below).

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg tells Ben Fordham he was surprised to hear the news.

“I think Gus has done an amazing job at Penrith for a long period of time and I hold him in very high regard.

“So if those reports are true, which I’m not sure they are to be fair, but if they are he can certainly leave with his head held high.”

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Penrith Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has released the following statement:

“This morning Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill and myself met with Phil Gould to discuss his position at the club.

“Phil was adamant that his position as Executive General Manager Rugby League has become redundant and his time at Panthers is at an end.

“While there will be opportunity for further reflection once matters are formalised, I wish to acknowledge the extraordinary impact Phil has had on this club since returning as Executive General Manager in 2011.

“The Panthers Board will meet tomorrow to discuss the potential terms of Gould’s departure from Panthers.”