Bulldogs’ bid to avoid $2 million Des Hasler payout disaster

CANTERBURY are sweating on legal documents that could break open the bitter Des Hasler termination case.

CANTERBURY are sweating on legal documents that could break open the bitter Des Hasler termination case.

In what would prove a huge development in the saga over the coach’s sacking, The Sunday Telegraph has learned the Bulldogs have insurance that covers directors and their office staff — and the question they’re attempting to get answered is whether Hasler’s claim is covered.

If their claim is successful, the Bulldogs won’t have to pay out anywhere near the $2 million Hasler wants.

UNFAITHFUL: Peponis lashes out at rivals’ club loyalty

SUPERCOACH: Dave Campbell reveals his team

Hasler has taken the Bulldogs to the Supreme Court after being sacked in September despite the club announcing in April that he had agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Should the Bulldogs prove that Hasler’s termination is covered by insurance, it would change the dynamics of the Ray Dib-led decision.

Ray Dib addressing the crowd at the Canterbury NRL board Q&A held at Belmore. Picture: Christian Gilles

The club chairman has come under scrutiny for the way the termination was handled, and the issue has been at the crux of Sunday’s board elections.

The Bulldogs have wanted to reveal the insurance element of Hasler’s termination but have yet to receive a ruling from their insurance broker and lawyers.

Contacted by The Sunday Telegraph, Dib confirmed the club was hopeful of a financially favourable decision.

“The Bulldogs Rugby League Club do have protection for their directors and officers,’’ Dib told The Sunday Telegraph.

”And there are discussions with our insurers regarding coverage of the Des Hasler claim.’’

The policy is currently being scrutinised by the underwriter.

The revelation comes as Dib on Saturday declared his new board would be held accountable to a new two-year strategic plan, which will be formally released today.

Sunday’s Belmore elections are considered to be the most critical in 20 years at the club.

Dib and his seven directors, which includes club legend Steve Mortimer, are in a tight-run battle with the ‘Reform’ rival ticket, led by Lynne and Chris Anderson and fellow former players Paul Dunn and Steve Price, to retain all seven seats on the current board.

Voting for the direction of the club begins at 8.30am with the final make-up of seats on the board likely to be determined after noon.

Aaron Woods and David Klemmer were two senior players present at the board Q&A. Pic: Christian Gilles

During his final campaign speech to almost 100 members on Thursday night, which was attended by coach Dean Pay and senior players Josh Jackson, David Klemmer, Aaron Woods, Aidan Tolman and Moses Mbye, Dib and his team delivered a polished 90-minute presentation, focused on the future — not the past.

Included within his speech was a declaration to members that a new two-year strategic plan would be released by football club CEO Andrew Hill today.

“Andrew will announce it (strategic plan) on Sunday at the AGM (Annual General Meeting),’’ Dib said.

“Because if this board is re-elected, the two year strategic plan will be our members scorecard to measure us, the board for the next two years before the next election.

“We’e going to tell the members, this is what we’re going to do for the next two years.

“We’re going to give our members a scorecard and they can mark it.

“If we say we’re going to do ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C”, they mark us on that.

“If we haven’t achieved those things in two years time, we don’t deserve to be here.

“If they’re not happy with the club, they need to decide who they want to re-elect to the board.’’

Dean Pay’s history with the club was part of the reason the board chose him as coach. Pic: Phil Hillyard

Dib repeated his previous statements that he would be willing to work with any of the rival ticket, should they earn enough votes to take a seat on the board.

He also said that if his board were re-elected they would move to appoint a deputy chairman.

“Whatever happens on Sunday, I will do what is best for the club, what is best for the team and individuals will be third,’’ Dib said.

“I’ve got an executive team, the board has seven directors and an executive team which is made up of four directors.

“But the first thing we’re going to do after we get re-elected is, we’ll nominate a chairman and then we’ll put up for a deputy chairman and if that is what the board’s request is, we’ll choose a deputy chairman.’’