NRL 2024: Titans coach Des Hasler predicts Manly fans will be happy to see him ahead of Brookvale Oval return

Des Hasler has denied he’s set for an icy reception when he returns to Brookvale Oval for the first time since his dramatic sacking, believing Manly fans will welcome him home.

Des Hasler believes Manly fans will greet him fondly at Brookvale Oval. Picture: NRL Imagery

Gold Coast coach Des Hasler believes Manly fans will “be happy to see me” when he returns to Brookvale Oval for the first time since his controversial sacking.

Hasler will lead the resurgent Titans into Sunday afternoon’s clash with the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park.

It will be his first appearance at Manly’s fortress since he was sacked in 2022 following the pride jersey saga which divided the club.

Hasler remains locked in a bitter $1.5 million legal battle with the Sea Eagles after rejecting a $565,000 settlement offer from Manly.

The Titans and Sea Eagles clashed in round 7 on the Gold Coast, Manly escaping with a 34-30 victory in an entertaining clash.

Des Hasler believes Manly fans will greet him fondly at Brookvale Oval. Picture: NRL Imagery

Hasler, 63, is regarded as a Manly legend, having won two premierships (1987 and 1996) with the club during a 256-game playing career before guiding the Sea Eagles to the 2008 and 2011 NRL titles as head coach.

But his two stints coaching the Sea Eagles have ended in controversy and it remains to be seen how one-eyed Manly fans greet him in his return to the northern beaches.

Hasler said he expected a positive reception from Manly fans.

“I think they’ll be happy to see me, which will be good,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s all part of the theatre. They’ll be fine.

“It’s not about me, but I know what it’s like (to play at Brookvale).

“I know what the players will be thinking. It’s a great experience.”

The Titans have won six of their past eight matches at Brookvale Oval, including last year’s contest, and boast the best record of any visiting team at the venue.

Hasler said the Titans were excited to play at his old stomping ground.”

Hasler has the Titans playing well of late.

“I know the place pretty well,” Hasler said.

“It’s always a formidable ground to play at, that’s the way it’s been built over the decades.

“It’ll be a really good test and the players are genuinely excited. It’ll be a really good game of footy.

“Both sides are playing some good footy and if it’s a dry track you’ll see some really good open footy.

After a slow start to the season, Gold Coast has shown promising signs of late with three straight wins against the Warriors, Sharks and Eels.

Dynamic players Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson returned from injury last week, however the latter is battling groin soreness.

The Titans (6-10) haven’t given up hope of playing finals this year and a win against Manly would keep their faint hopes alive.

“This will be a real test,” Hasler said.

“Manly (7th) are a top four side. It’ll be a really good test for our players.

“(Playing finals) will take care of itself if you keep winning.

“It (ladder) is so congested. You never say never.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Titans coach Des Hasler predicts Manly fans will be happy to see him ahead of Brookvale Oval return