Departing skipper James Graham hits out at Des Hasler axing

DEPARTING Canterbury skipper James Graham has criticised his former club for axing coach Des Hasler.

James Graham has criticised the sacking of Des Hasler.

DEPARTING Canterbury skipper James Graham has hit out at his former club for axing coach Des Hasler.

Graham, who was released to the Dragons three weeks ago due to salary cap pressure, says Hasler should have continued as coach with the roster he has shaped for next year.

The new-look side for 2018 includes star signings Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods, but is without Sam Kasiano, Josh Reynolds and Graham.

James Graham (L) talks with Des Hasler during Canterbury Bulldogs training. Picture: Gregg Porteous

BITTER BUST-UP: Des divorce headed for courts

ROTHFIELD ANALYSIS: Board sacks Des to save themselves

THE FALLOUT: Legends unite to oust board

HOW WE BROKE STORY: Dog gone! Des departs

“He should have been given the chance to have that roster overhaul,” Graham told NRL 360 on Fox Sports.

“Some fresh faces brought in, the chance to bring new ideas in terms of the playing roster.

“I thought with this two year contract, or heads of agreement as it’s now being portrayed, I thought he should have been given the reins.”

Graham said the players were as much to blame for the coach’s sacking as Hasler himself.

“As captain and part of the playing group, we’ve got to bear some of the burden,” Graham said. “I do feel we’ve let Des down a bit.

“Coaches probably get given too much credit by the media when things are going well and too much criticism when things are going wrong ...

“I regard Des so highly and personally I will be forever indebted to him for his dedication and for bettering me as both a man and a footballer.”

Sacked coach Des Hasler's stats.