Monday Buzz: Manly icon says Des Hasler’s time ‘probably’ up

One of Manly’s most influential figures has delivered a brutal assessment of Des Hasler’s coaching ability and future at the club. Phil Rothfield’s weekend highlights and lowlights.

Tim Sheens. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty

Manly Sea Eagles legend and former Kangaroos skipper Max Krilich has spoken out regarding Des Hasler’s coaching future and the pride jersey fiasco that has wrecked their season.

And it’s not what Dessie — or the seven Manly players — will want to hear from the always forthright life member and still a director of Manly Leagues club.

Krilich was at Brookie on Saturday night to witness the 40-6 loss to the Sharks.

“We were beaten and overwhelmed by a very good side,” he said.

“But on Des, to be very honest I think he’s probably had his time, not that it’s for me to say or decide. Others can judge that.

“I’m saying the club might need refreshing. He’s been a very astute coach but some of the tactics of late look a bit stale to me.

“I don’t like bagging Des because he’s done some terrific stuff for Manly over a long period of time.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Manly legend Max Krilich. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sea Eagles Des Hasler. Picture: NCA Newswire/Gaye Gerard

“But everyone has their day in the office and his time might be up.”

Krilich is also strong on the pride jerseys.

“I can understand the players and their personal beliefs,” he said.

“But I’ve got to tell you, they don’t mind collecting their big packets. They want the big dollars but they also want to dictate.

“I’ll say this … in the old days under Ken Arthurson none of this would have happened.

“He would have been handled much better. The management in this case has been really poor.”

Still, Krilich insists their season was done prior to the players boycotting the Roosters game.

“We played badly against St George Illawarra (beaten 20-6) the week before the jersey fiasco,” he said.

“We have been playing crap footy for weeks but I don’t want to hammer them.

“I’m totally for the Manly football club and you just hope next year will be better.”

Sheens’ part in disgraceful Tigers performance

The Wests Tigers and Tim Sheens have a lot to answer for after Saturday night’s SCG humiliation.

And the first question is this … why did they give up on their season so early?

Who made the decision to release two of their biggest names, Luciano Leilua and David Nofouluma, the players going gangbusters for the Cowboys and Storm?

The sight of them scoring tries and celebrating with their new teammates on Friday night must make Wests Tigers fans feel sick in the stomach.

Who decided to let English international Oliver Gildart leave then watch him score five tries in NSW Cup the very next week for the Roosters’ feeder club North Sydney?

These are serious questions members and fans are entitled to get answers on.

It might have been obvious from early in the season that the Wests Tigers were never going to be a finals contender. But that doesn’t mean you throw in the towel.

There was still an opportunity to at least finish the season at least in a respectable position on the competition ladder. To give some hope for 2023.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Tim Sheens owes Wests Tigers fans answers. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty

Tim Sheens will no doubt argue releasing the players will help with the salary cap next year when he takes over as head coach. That it is short term pain.

But that’s not the point.

They should have had their best 17 players available each and every week of the season where possible.

Especially now injuries have put another two of their stars – Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings - on the sidelines for the rest of the year.

This wasn’t just a loss against the Roosters on Saturday night at the SCG.

It was a shocking capitulation and the biggest and most embarrassing loss in the club’s history.

A complete debacle … 72-6.

There should almost be an asterisk in the history books – that the Roosters beat a reserve grade side, on paper, at least.

The Roosters’ win was the biggest by any team at the SCG, eclipsing St George’s 65-5 win over University in 1937.

The club now looks certain to finish with the wooden spoon – but this could have been avoided.

It is such a mess … and then they wonder why Isaah Papali’i is having reservations about joining the club next year.

The new centre of excellence at Concord means nothing right now.

Seriously, do they really think a shiny new gymnasium, video rooms, a plunge pool, steam room, offices and lockers will make that big a difference.

The jury is now out on Sheens. He is the one who sacked Michael Maguire and allowed the stars to go.

West Tigers have seemingly given up on the season. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty

There is no guarantee the four-time premier coach can pick up from where he left the NRL.

His 2005 premiership was a 17 painful years ago.

There were fears when Sheens, aged 70, was first appointed as director of football after being out of NRL head coaching for 10 years that he could possibly have fallen off the pace of the modern game and the business of running NRL clubs.

What has happened over the last few months justifies those concerns.

This club is a complete rabble.

Sheens, the CEO and the board need to accept responsibility more than the players who wore the jersey on Saturday night.