Bulldogs yet to make attempt to mediate with sacked coach Hasler
THE lawyer for sacked Canterbury coach Des Hasler has revealed the defiant Bulldogs are yet to attempt any mediation over Hasler’s $2.4 million suit against the club.
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THE lawyer for sacked Canterbury coach Des Hasler has revealed the defiant Bulldogs are yet to attempt any mediation.
Hasler is seeking the full amount of his two-year contract — estimated at $2.4 million — after being dumped by Canterbury in late September.
The Bulldogs issued a press statement spruiking Hasler’s two-year extension in April.
Hasler is suing Canterbury for breach of contract, the Bulldogs insistent their ex-coach signed a heads of agreement, not a binding contract.
Lawyers for Hasler have lodged a statement of claim in the NSW Supreme Court.
The Bulldogs legal team was yet to offer any mediation with Hasler, according to the coach’s lawyer, Daniel McGirr.
“The matter is currently being litigated. We are always open to attempts to mediate the dispute,” said McGirr.
Asked why he thought Canterbury hadn’t made an effort to mediate, McGirr said: “It is a matter for Canterbury, however their lack of response has led to Mr Hasler having no alternative except to institute proceedings.”
The case has further damaged Canterbury’s already-tainted brand.
“I can’t comment on that suffice to say that in April, 2017, Mr Hasler struck a deal with Canterbury to coach the club in 2018 and 2019 and since that time, and prior to his purported termination, put measures in place with a long-term view for his association with the club,” McGirr said.
The claim for $2.4m does not include damages, interest and costs.