Several NRL clubs have already started sounding out what Des Hasler plans to do next after his ugly row with the Manly Sea Eagles came to a head on Thursday with his shock sacking, and if he’d take another opportunity as soon as next season.
There are several footy clubs licking their lips at the prospect of Hasler in the top job, with the Newcastle Knights, St George Illawarra Dragons, and Gold Coast Titans all keeping an eye on the situation.
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The Sporting Base understands Hasler would be free to take a new job in November.
While Hasler has been at the heart of what can only be described as an all-time meltdown from the Sea Eagles, bosses at the interested NRL clubs believe he had little to do with the issues. The pride jersey, total silence from the seven players that refused to play, and a reluctance for the Manly board to accept blame have all played a part, they say.
The Knights, Dragons, and Titans all have one thing in common—2022 was a dismal year under their current helmsman. The Titans slipped to 13th with just six wins in 24 under Justin Holbrook and Adam O’Brien and the Knights fared even worse in 14th.
The Dragons came closest to finals with 12 wins but still failed to fire.
Holbrook and O’Brien are signed through to the end of the 2024 season, suggesting bumper payout costs may keep them safe. Red V boss Anthony Griffin, meanwhile, only has 2023 in his package.
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As of right now, it’s only been quiet calls and texts to Hasler’s agent George Mimis.
If they do make a move, St George Illawarra will have to pay Griffin around $475,000 as an exit fee. That isn’t his pay for next season, however, but a break-up cost they boiled into the deal with the 56-year-old when he first joined the club.
Hasler is certainly an appetising option for the Dragons, as well as other possible suitors. Since his coaching career started in the early 2000s, Hasler has made five grand finals, winning two with the Sea Eagles in 2008 and 2011. His first was special too, with his Manly outfit demolishing a Melbourne side later found to be cheating the cap by 40 points to nil.
The 61-year-old boasts a 56.8% win percentage across his coaching career.
Though nothing has been confirmed just yet, Manly is expected to sign Anthony Seibold. His last stint in the NRL saw him guide the Brisbane Broncos to their first-ever wooden spoon.
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