Des Hasler becomes the latest NRL coach to be sacked despite a winning record

Welcome to the ruthless world of NRL coaching, as proved by the exit of Des Hasler as Manly mentor. This is the unbelievable list that proves winning isn’t enough. SEE THE FULL RANKING

Ruthless and relentless.

Welcome to the world of NRL coaching, as proved by the exit of Des Hasler as Manly mentor.

Sure, there had been rumblings for a while of unrest at Brookvale.

However Hasler’s impressive record – one built over nearly two decades – proves just how ruthless the industry can be.

After all Hasler is the sixth longest-serving coach in NRL history.

However there is little time for sentimentality, as proved by these successful coaches who, rightly or wrongly, were shown the door in the NRL era.

8. DAVID WAITE

NRL win percentage: 50.7%

Despite modest returns at Newcastle (44.9 per cent from 1991 to 1994), Waite was able to drive St George back to the grand final in 1996.

He won 51.9 per cent of his matches from 1996 to 1998 before inheriting the merged Dragons.

Another grand final appearance in 1999 enabled him to finish with 57.9 per cent of wins across 1999 and 2000.

To much surprise he lost out on his job in 2001 to Andrew Farrar.

7. DANIEL ANDERSON

NRL win percentage: 52.8%

Enjoyed a winning strike rate of 55.4 per cent at the Warriors – not bad for a club with an overall record of 44.9 per cent – from 2001 to 2004.

Even his trouble stint at the Eels from 2009 to 2010 brought some modest success (48.1 per cent).

Sure, there were issues when he left the Eels but overall his figures stand up well.

Daniel Anderson led the Warriors to success before a stunning Eels sacking.

6. MICHAEL HAGAN

NRL win percentage: 53%

Across 217 matches in charge of the Knights and Eels the former Queensland Origin player enjoyed strong success.

After leading Newcastle to the 2001 crown, he went on to win 53.4 per cent of his 163 matches at the helm of the club.

At Parramatta from 2007 to 2008 he won 51.9 per cent of his games before given a five-month window to save his job. He didn’t.

4. STEVE FOLKES

NRL win percentage: 55.7%

The late Folkes led the Bulldogs to the 2004 premiership amid his successful stint at Belmore.

The club proved one of the most dominant through the 2000s as Folkes led the side from 1998 to 2008.

Hi final year was a shocker – five wins, 19 losses – but his overall record looks impressive and seven winning seasons out of 11 wasn’t enough to save his job.

4. GEOFF TOOVEY

NRL win percentage: 55.7%

Stepping in to replace Hasler at Manly in 2012, the former Sea Eagles star delivered finals appearances in his first three seasons.

His fourth saw returns of 11 wins and 13 losses … bad enough for him to be replaced at season’s end.

He even opened up in 2015 on the ruthless nature of footy when it comes to coaches.

Geoff Toovey’s solid record couldn’t save him at Manly.

3. DES HASLER

NRL win percentage: 56.2%

Across 18 seasons and 489 NRL games Hasler proved one of the best coaches in the modern era.

A first stint with Manly (2004 to 2011) yielded the 2008 title, before Hasler claimed 56.6 per cent of the matches at the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2017.

He returned to the Sea Eagles from 2019 to 2022 before his swift departure in October.

2. CHRIS ANDERSON

NRL win percentage: 57%

Technically he jumped from the Roosters in 2007 but that was before he was pushed.

The former Kangaroos winger won 61 per cent of his matches at the Bulldogs (1990 to 1997), and enjoyed similar success at the Storm (59.6 per cent from 1998 to 2001), including claiming the 1999 premiership.

His returns at the Sharks (47.1 per cent, 2002 to 2003) were more modest before lasting just 16 games – for five wins – at Bondi.

Anderson also won 22 of his 25 Tests as Australia coach.

A history of winning couldn’t save Chris Anderson at the Roosters.

1. PETER LOUIS

NRL win percentage: 57.6%

In somewhat of a golden era for the North Sydney Bears, Louis tasted finals in six of the seven seasons from 1993 to 1999.

Despite preliminary finals appearances, Louis was axed with the club sitting six wins, 10 losses during the 1999 season. It proved to be the club’s last campaign before merging with Manly.

Peter Louis leaves North Sydney Bears office in 1999.

Originally published as Des Hasler becomes the latest NRL coach to be sacked despite a winning record