Manly coach Des Hasler backs Sam Burgess as a good thing for NRL
The NRL might have its knickers in a twist over Sam Burgess’s unscripted opinions but as far as Des Hasler is concerned, the Rabbitohs enforcer is just adding to the theatre of rugby league.
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Under-pressure South Sydney enforcer Sam Burgess has found an unlikely ally in his battle with the NRL — Manly coach Des Hasler.
Burgess will be facing a fine when he meets NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg to explain the “kangaroos court” comment he made in The Daily Telegraph when describing the judiciary and match review committee.
However, Manly coach Des Hasler has refused to jump on the anti-Burgess bandwagon in the lead-up to the sudden-death final at ANZ Stadium.
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“I like watching him play,’’ Hasler said. “He’s not just a good player, I think he adds great drama and really good theatre to the game.
“He is just a competitor. He will turn up ready to play. I don’t think he will worry too much about that (the drama this week).”
Asked if Burgess’s aggression was good for rugby league, Hasler said: “Aggression? It depends how you want to define aggression.
“Are you asking me is Sam Burgess good for rugby league and the NRL? Of course he is.
“You’ve only got the look at the experience he brings to the side. I think he’s an important part of their side along with (Adam) Reynolds and (Cody) Walker.”
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Hasler rejected any notion Manly would attempt to goad the volatile Burgess.
“I don’t think so,” Hasler laughed. “I think they will be too busy chasing the leather to worry about Sam Burgess.
“Souths’ front row has the three Burgess boys and Liam Knight has been really good over the past month, which complements (Damian) Cook’s game out of dummy half and the lock, Cameron Murray.
“It will come down to how the main stakeholders manage the game.
“I thought Souths were outstanding in the round-25 match when they beat the Roosters. The Roosters ambushed them a little bit the following week.
“But Souths settled down and managed to win the second half 6-4 and they now have Sam back. They are a pretty experienced side as well.
“They have a couple of players who can steer them around the park and manage their game. It will be a different South Sydney to the one we saw last weekend against the Roosters.”
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Rabbitohs fans will be out in force at their home ground but Manly supporters won’t be swamped.
Fifteen busloads of Sea Eagles fans will travel from Sydney’s northern beaches for the game, which will attract a crowd between 25,000 and 30,000.
“That’s great isn’t it? Fantastic,” Hasler said. “It will be great to hear the Manly chant going up. I know the players really appreciate it.”
Asked if it was a myth that Manly fans refused to attend away games, Hasler said: “I think so, yeah. They will be there.”
Originally published as Manly coach Des Hasler backs Sam Burgess as a good thing for NRL
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