Canterbury edging closer to a decision on Des Hasler’s future with the club

CANTERBURY chairman Ray Dib says the Bulldogs ‘owe it to Des’ to make a decision on his future quickly but he hasn’t spoken to other coaches.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler looks on during a press conference following the round 25 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast, Saturday, August 26, 2017. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

CANTERBURY chairman Ray Dib is adamant he has not spoken to a rival coach about taking over Des Hasler’s job for next year.

That is not to say Hasler is safe because Dib said the Bulldogs “owe it to Des” to make a decision as soon as possible.

While Hasler’s assistant Jim Dymock has thrown his hand up for the job, Canterbury’s premiership-winning forward Dean Pay has been widely speculated as most likely to take over if Hasler is sacked.

“That is one thing I can honestly say; I have not spoken to one coach at all,” Dib said.

“Have I been approached? Yes, I have been approached.

Hasler’s future is up in the air despite re-signing earlier this year.

“I have been approached by certain managers and I have said there is nothing to discuss at this stage.

“I have not spoken to any coaches at all.”

Dib also said Dymock’s public statements on the weekend would not go against him if Hasler survived.

Dymock surprised everyone when he filled in for Hasler at Saturday’s pre-game media conference and announced his intentions if Hasler was let go.

“To be head coach of a side that I’ve spilled blood for would be an honour for me,” Dymock said.

“I’d definitely put my hand up.

“If that opportunity comes, I feel I’m ready.

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“I’ve been coaching for 13 years, so I think I’ve put the time in.”

Asked about Dymock’s comments, Dib said: “I think Jimmy was innocent.

“Maybe the timing wasn’t good.

“But I just think he wanted to express that he has desires to be a first grade coach one day and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.”

Dib said the Bulldogs would hold their presentation on Thursday night and then move as quickly as possible to conduct and conclude a post-season review.

“He has a two-year contract and we are just going to do a review,’ Dib said.

“From there we will decide what needs to be changed.”

Canterbury scored an emotional win over the Dragons on Sunday.

Dib also said the club had not decided if the review would be internal or external.

The Bulldogs are in a predicament in this respect given Raelene Castle has resigned and her replacement Andrew Hill won’t start until after his commitments with the Rugby League World Cup are finished in December.

Asked how quickly the review could be completed, Dib said: “I can’t answer that.

“It depends on how we decide to go forward with it, whether we get someone externally to do the review or we do it ourselves.

“I have said to the players and staff just to enjoy the week until Thursday night.

“We have a scheduled board meeting for the end of the month but I will speak to them on Thursday night and have a chat over a drink.

“We owe it to Des and everyone.

“Timing is so crucial at this time of the year.

“I understand that.”