Bulldogs board discuss time frame for Des Hasler’s future at Belmore

DES Hasler’s future at Canterbury rests with the club’s board, who have discussed a deadline of eight weeks for the premiership-winning coach at Belmore.

Coach Des Hasler walks down the back stairs after the loss in the round 4 NRL game between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Lootoland, Brookvale. Picture: Gregg Porteous

DES Hasler’s future at Canterbury rests with the club’s board, who have privately discussed a deadline of approximately eight weeks for the premiership-winning coach at Belmore.

As speculation the Bulldogs could sack Hasler mounts, the club’s board have had robust deliberation about the ex-Manly mentor.

It comes as Bulldogs insiders told The Sunday Telegraph last week that the board would make the decision seven to 10 weeks into the competition.

Canterbury’s board also met with chief executive Raelene Castle in New Zealand a fortnight ago, with the coaching position the hottest topic.

Hasler has eight weeks to save his job.

While Hasler has maintained he is edging closer to a two-year extension for weeks, the reality is some board members remain unsatisfied with his performance and have felt this way for some time.

These feelings were heightened after Saturday’s embarrassing 36-0 loss to Manly.

The Bulldogs lacked significant spark in attack and defence, as the Sea Eagles surged within two points of equally their biggest victory over Canterbury — set in 1954.

Hasler is now facing significant pressure to save his job at Belmore.

In the next five weeks, Canterbury plays Brisbane, Newcastle, Souths, Tigers and Canberra.

This period could decide Hasler’s future, especially if his side fails to win the majority of these matches.

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Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have reportedly made moves to entice the Wests Tigers’ four off-contract stars to Belmore in 2018.

Former Tigers recruiter Warren McDonnell is now working at the Dogs, which has led to mounting speculation that Canterbury will make a big play for James Tedesco, Luke Brooks, Mitch Moses and Aaron Woods.

It’s understood Bulldogs chairman Ray Dib is also close with the star quartet’s manager, Isaac Moses.

In addition, the Bulldogs’ spine of Josh Reynolds, Michael Lichaa and Will Hopoate are all off-contract this season and under pressure to perform.

This has prompted the Bulldogs to search the market for players like Tedesco and Moses.