Monday Buzz: How long does Des Hasler have left at the Bulldogs?
MONDAY BUZZ: THE biggest topic in the NRL right now is the future of Des Hasler. Why it is taking the Bulldogs so long to make a decision, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
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“YOU’VE got the full support of the board.”
It’s the last thing any NRL coach wants to hear. The quote has become almost a rugby league death notice.
This weekend’s biggest topic in the NRL is the future of Canterbury Bulldogs coach Des Hasler.
And he apparently has the full support of those in the boardroom.
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On Sunday we spoke to Canterbury chairman Ray Dib about Hasler’s precarious position after the Bulldogs’ thumping 36-0 loss to Manly made it just one win from four starts.
“We’re not a reactive board,” Dib said.
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“Yes, it was a huge loss, but we’re not going to change our process. We have a plan to move forward and we’re not going to deviate from it.”
It’s not quite like saying “you’ve got the full support of the board” but Dib insists his coach will not be sacked this week.
“I understand it’s disappointing, embarrassing and unacceptable for our fans and members,” he said.
“But they’ve got to believe in us and remember it’s only round four.
“The players let Des and themselves down. But they’re professionals and they know it’s inexcusable.”
The usual Canterbury rent-a-quotes will be out in force this week.
Old legends Terry Lamb and Steve Mortimer will say Des doesn’t understand the club culture.
Bulldogs fans’ chat rooms are already in meltdown after Saturday’s loss, all wanting the coach’s scalp.
Close to 60 per cent in a Daily Telegraph poll suggested Hasler should go.
The question is why it is taking the Bulldogs so long to make a decision.
If he’s not good enough to be reappointed right now, what can change in three or four weeks? They either want him or they don’t.
And whichever way they go, putting the speculation to bed can only help the underperforming players.
Hasler has made the finals every year and two grand finals in his five seasons at Belmore.
Incredibly, the players seem to be escaping much of the criticism.
Here is a football team that couldn’t even run the football 1000 metres against Manly, which is almost unheard of in today’s game.
They lacked energy and enthusiasm. Direction and discipline. It was like they didn’t want to be there.
The front-rowers Aiden Tolman and James Graham made only 150 metres between them.
Blues Origin forwards Josh Jackson and David Klemmer played soft.
The halves Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds couldn’t buy a banana in a fruit shop.
The Morris twins have gone missing.
Yes, Hasler has to take full responsibility for the team’s performances.
At the same time, the players need to have a long, hard look at themselves.
Otherwise, we’ll soon find out what “having the full support of the board” means to their coach.
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