The Penrith NRL board is tipped to rubber stamp the appointment of Phil Gould as coaching director on Wednesday in a move which could clear the way for Nathan Brown's return to the NRL.

Speculation was abuzz late on Tuesday night 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 an inexperienced coach working under him.

Current Panthers assistant coach Steve Georgallis is believed to be one candidate to fill the head coach role, but Gould's appointment could see Brown, who hasn't 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 was 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.

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