Des Hasler seeking $1 million compensation for being sacked as Manly Sea Eagles coach

Des Hasler is going for Manly’s “jugular” as his messy divorce from the Sea Eagles is about to go nuclear. See how Hasler’s legal team will fight for the monster pay-out.

Sacked Manly coach Des Hasler.

Des Hasler’s lawyer has fired off a legal letter to Manly demanding the embattled club compensate his client $1 million – but the final payout may not end there.

The Daily Telegraph understands Sydney lawyer Daniel McGirr emailed the correspondence to Manly on Monday afternoon.

It is certain to trigger an ugly legal stoush between the two parties.

Hasler’s legal team wants the sacked Manly coach to be paid in full for 2023 – amounting to around $1m.

And McGirr – who refused to comment when contacted – may also seek further damages and costs incurred for 2024 where he will claim Hasler was denied the chance to trigger a contract extension.

That would push the demand figure well over $1m.

One legal eagle said: “Des is going for the jugular.”

The letter sent on Monday states that Manly’s board officially re-engaged Hasler for 2023 on October 6, an offer which was accepted “unequivocally”.

That, McGirr will claim, constituted a new contract and superseded the previous deal.

Hasler agreed to the new deal, with added stipulations and conditions, to coach another year at the club. He was then terminated on October 13.

Des Hasler’s lawyer has sent a legal letter to the Sea Eagles. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

McGirr’s legal team will argue Hasler’s new 2023 contract was “binding and enforceable” and his axing came “without notice.”

Manly had originally sent a letter to McGirr running through the chronology of what unfolded at Brookvale under Hasler this year.

A second, short letter of repudiation was also sent from McGirr to Manly on Monday.

Manly is expected to respond to the letter this week.

McGirr’s 2024 demands to Manly will centre around Hasler being deprived of an opportunity to coach at the club through a series of circumstances, including the pride jersey fiasco.

The Daily Telegraph has been told Manly is expected to baulk at the $1m demand figure. Hasler and his manager, George Mimis, were aware the legal letters were sent on Monday.

Hasler remains holidaying in Western Australia.

It is a sad end to what has been a stellar career at Manly for Hasler, a club where he won two premierships each as a player and coach.

Former coach Des Hasler. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The drama is certain to escalate between both parties if a financial agreement cannot be reached out of court.

Manly will allege Hasler breached the terms of his agreement by bringing the club into disrepute.

Hasler has refused all media interview requests.

Weekend media reports stated Manly believe the club won’t have to payout Hasler.

Yet to ensure a swift end to the saga, Manly may consider a $500,000 payout – only half of what Hasler is seeking.

Meanwhile, Manly’s head of high performance and a close associate of Hasler, Don Singe, has quit the club.

Singe posted on social media: “I will now stand down as the longest serving head of performance at Manly and pursue my career in wellbeing for sport and corporate organisations as well as assist championing Polynesian cultural growth in sport for coaches and players.

“The Manly club has afforded me every decency and respect during this time and I am genuinely grateful for the years of trust and their support through my transition.”

Former Brisbane and Souths coach Anthony Seibold is expected to be appointed Manly coach in coming days. Seibold is currently in England to settle his contract termination with the English rugby union side.

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has emerged as a potential target for Seibold’s coaching staff.