Damage done under Des Hasler will take time to repair

FROM an ineffective game plan to poor recruitment decisions and salary cap mismanagement, the damage done under Des Hasler will take time to repair, writes Fiona Bollen.

• CRITICISM: Graham hits out at Hasler axing

• FALLOUT: Bitter Des divorce headed for courts

• AFTERMATH: Legends unit to oust board

• OUT: Canterbury sack Hasler

• DUMPED: Board sacks Hasler to save its bacon

THE handling of the Des Hasler coaching situation has been a blight on the Bulldogs club this year.

As a member and lifelong fan, to watch the deterioration of the club on and off the field has been hard to watch.

The NRL side has been playing lacklustre football for a couple of seasons, which is why Hasler came under pressure earlier in the year.

That Hasler was granted a contract extension was mind-boggling. The team was struggling as the same game plan was trotted out week after week and the team became predictable.

Their results suffered. Yet it seemed that one win — a gritty 10-7 defeat of Brisbane in Round 5 after opening the season 1-3 that included a 36-0 drubbing from Manly — saved Hasler from being axed.

Des Hasler has been sacked as Bulldogs coach. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Fans weren’t happy then and though most rejoice now (the Daily Telegraph poll showing 65 per cent believe it was time to go) greater concerns, as to how it was all managed, remain.

During Hasler’s time as coach the salary cap has been mismanaged. Raelene Castle has paid the price for overseeing that and moved on. Hasler is now the next casualty.

But the playing roster has paid the price, also, so to speak.

Club favourite Josh Reynolds was forced to take big bucks offered from the Tigers. Club captain James Graham was saddened that he, too, had to accept an offer from the Dragons.

The roster has been decimated. Recruitment has been poor. Morale at the club is low.

The final few games of the season showed more of the spirit fans expect from the Bulldogs but before that their efforts appeared laboured.

I was raised a Bulldog. My parents told me as a youngster I supported them or I moved out of home. Throughout this season even they were lost for words for what they were seeing from our club.

Des Hasler and Raelene Castle have been moved on from the club. Picture: Gregg Porteous

My dad talked about watching a Canterbury team of the ’80s rallying after a gastro bug went through them all and seeing that fighting, never-say-die spirit that is synonymous with the club.

For whatever reason, that went missing this year and change was due.

Some may roll their eyes when Bulldogs fans talk about those running the show needing to understand the club, but it counts for something.

And when two of the best players ever to pull on the jersey speak publicly about the coach not being the right fit, then it’s worth listening to.

This is a step in the right direction for the club, but it still may take some time to repair the damage and the board will still have some questions to answer as to how it played out.