Des Hasler is set to take the Sea Eagles into the 2023 NRL season as head coach following a meeting between Manly powerbrokers on Thursday evening. The decision: Des stays on the hot seat, but with less governing power.
The meeting touched on Hasler, the Pride jersey, management, juniors, and the physio.
In the end, The Sporting Base understands, the Manly bosses decided to stick rather than twist—for now—and keep things stable (as stable as they can be) within the ranks. It is understood one major concern in the meeting was that Tom and Jake Trbojevic may have walked if Hasler was axed.
The pair, as well as their younger brother Ben, are seen as vital stars in the cogs of the Silvertails beast. To lose them, the Manly powerbrokers decided, would be a pain that could set the whole outfit back years.
FOX Sports is reporting Hasler will now have to “eat humble pie.”
In essence, the Sea Eagles bosses are worried about the power Des wielded behind the scenes in making decisions while six chief executives have come and gone across eight NRL seasons.
The other major talking point around Hasler was his heir; Manly wants to see who Hasler will pick as his successor to take the Sea Eagles into the later stages of the 2020s once he hangs up the clipboard.
And, they want a majority say in the matter as well, no matter who he’s blooding.
Hasler also has to bring a long-term plan to the table. He has to show them how he means to build (or re-build) the culture of the club, where young stars fit into the mix, and how they plan to replace aging or already departing players like Daly Cherry Evans and Marty Taupau.
Either way, these are things Hasler will sort out as the 2023 NRL preseason begins in November. For now, it seems the Sea Eagles saga is over, with little movement for the top spot, in the end.
