Bulldogs coach Des Hasler accused of “slapping bush footy fans in the face” over City-Country ban

CANTERBURY coach Des Hasler stands accused of “slapping bush footy fans in the face” — and robbing NSW star Josh Jackson of an emotional homecoming.

Des Hasler doesn’t want to risk his players in City-Country. Photo: Stephen Cooper

CANTERBURY coach Des Hasler stands accused of “slapping bush footy fans in the face” — while also robbing NSW Origin star Josh Jackson of an emotional homecoming in Mudgee on Sunday week.

Furious Country Rugby League officials have branded Hasler selfish and “ridiculous” after he last night ensured Bulldogs players would be deemed ineligible for the last ever City-Country match on Sunday, May 7.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Country officials were particularly keen to have the Dogs forward play in the match — with promotional activities based heavily on the Mudgee junior raised in nearby Gulgong.

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WELFARE: Bulldogs’ City-Country ban

Des Hasler doesn’t want to risk his players in City-Country. Photo: Stephen Cooper

Privately, the NSWRL is also unhappy with the decision while Blues great Brad Fittler warned it could impact negatively on the Origin hopes of Canterbury players like Jackson.

While the Bulldogs released a statement last night confirming rival coaches Fittler and Craig Fitzgibbon had agreed not to pick their players, Country CEO Terry Quinn remained filthy with the situation.

“Des Hasler has no right to decide who plays in this game,’’ Quinn fired. “Especially Josh Jackson.

“He’s a local boy who was raised in Gulgong, played for the Mudgee Dragons ... and I can tell you he wants to play in this game.

“And the simple fact is, this game has been sanctioned by the NRL. So everyone should be available.

“I can’t make that happen but you’d think the NRL would.”

Asked if he understood Hasler’s stance, Quinn continued: “I don’t know Des well but you have to wonder.

“This move, it really is slapping bush footy fans in the face — especially the people of Mudgee.

“People out there couldn’t wait to see Josh come home and play. And now Canterbury stop him from doing that? It’s ridiculous.

“Des talks about player welfare, which I understand. But only a few years ago this game was played on a Friday, with players backing up the following afternoon.

“And given Des played for City himself, you’d think he would understand the importance of farewelling a game that’s been around since 1911.”

Josh Jackson will miss out on a chance to play in his hometown. Photo: Gregg Porteous

Incredibly, Quinn only learned of the Bulldogs’ contentious request after reading it on the backpage of The Daily Telegraph.

“First I knew of it was when I picked up your newspaper,’’ Quinn said. “It’s incredibly disappointing.”

Meanwhile, Fittler warned that Hasler’s decision could hinder the Origin hopes of players like Jackson.

“The big thing for Laurie this year, he came out and said there are (52) players that could be in his Origin team,” Fittler told EON Sports Radio.

“So if they don’t want to put their hand up ... Laurie’s the sort of bloke who will say ‘well they don’t want to be part of the system’.

“I saw the note from (Bulldogs CEO) Raelene Castle ... if that’s the case then I understand given the short turnaround. But if it isn’t in the CBA then you wonder with a Josh Jackson, does (selection) come down to it?

“I know Laurie’s a huge fan of him but ... we’ll see.”