Des Hasler open to Wests Tigers offer as Canterbury Bulldogs contract saga drags on

CANTERBURY ‘won’t be rushed’ but are under increasing pressure to finally re-sign Des Hasler — who has now become a target for Wests Tigers.

CANTERBURY are under increasing pressure to finally re-sign Des Hasler — who has now become a target for Wests Tigers.

The Bulldogs insist they “won’t be rushed” in their ongoing negotiations but it is understood Hasler would be open to offers if the Tigers approach him after they sacked Jason Taylor on Monday.

The Tigers and St George Illawarra are closely monitoring Hasler’s contract delay at Belmore.

It seems Hasler’s much-discussed two-year contract extension still hasn’t been ratified.

NRL EARLY MAIL: FORAN TO DEBUT

WHY TIGERS SHOULDN’T SPLASH CASH ON BROOKS

Former Penrith and Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is the clear favourite for the vacant Wests Tigers job although Hasler, a two-time premiership-winning coach, is the x-factor. Another candidate, Todd Payten, has support from players but senior club management is reluctant to push for the former Tigers prop.

The Daily Telegraph understands Canterbury held a board meeting last week where Hasler’s contract was discussed again.

It appears certain Hasler’s deal will be done — but the wait continues. In fact, the contract extension has been discussed now for a year.

Could Des really call time on the Bulldogs? Photo: Phil Hillyard

Wests Tigers general manager of football, Kelly Egan, is close mates with Hasler. The pair worked together at Manly and Canterbury, Hasler as head coach, Egan his assistant.

One source close to the Bulldogs board said: “Whatever is happening at Wests Tigers is their issue — it doesn’t affect us one bit. We had a meeting the other day and it’s progressing well. It’s continuing and we are moving forward. We’re happy with where we are. It would be great to put it behind us but there’s no rush from either party at the moment.

“It will happen but we won’t be rushed because of Wests Tigers. It is the best interests of everyone to come to a decision sooner rather later. Des doesn’t want to leave, he has everything here. And we don’t want to lose him.”

It is understood Bulldogs chief executive Raelene Castle will continue negotiations with Hasler’s manager, George Mimis.

“Negotiations continue to progress positively,” Castle said. “We haven’t put a time frame on it but we continue to work through the process.”

Canterbury players are staunchly behind Hasler, who has made the finals every year at Belmore, including grand finals in 2012 and 2014.

The Bulldogs overcame New Zealand Warriors last weekend and face another big test, Manly at Brookvale, on Saturday.

Canterbury stars Josh Jackson and Michael Lichaa spoke openly last week about the team’s desire to have Hasler re-sign.

“He’s pretty vital to the club and what we have achieved in the past and moving forward as well,” Jackson said.

Lichaa added: “He’s an unbelievable coach, everyone knows that. It’s kind of laughable for the players that (there is talk) he’s getting the flick or something like that.”