Manly Sea Eagles officially ‘moving on’ from coach Des Hasler

The ongoing feud between Des Hasler and the Manly Sea Eagles is bubbling over with the club owner delivering a not-so subtle jab.

Des Hasler’s coaching fate at Manly sealed. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The Manly Sea Eagles are “moving on” from Des Hasler.

The horror end to Manly’s season put the spotlight firmly on coach Hasler with speculation over his future after the Sea Eagles refused to give the two-time premiership winning mentor an extension.

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Nine news’ Danny Weidler reported the news of the club’s intentions to oust Hasler from his role with owner Scott Penn confirming they were “moving on”.

“We’ve obviously just had a significant board meeting and had some discussions,” Penn said to Weidler.

“We’ve been talking to Des and his manager for some time and we’re trying to find a resolution and we’re not quite there yet.

“We’re still in discussions to be fair but we need to bring this to a head.”

After being pressed if Hasler had coached his last game in charge of the club, Penn kept his cards close to his chest.

“Look I can’t really comment on that yet, but we certainly have some bridges to mend,” he said.

Des Hasler’s days appear numbered. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Monique Harmer

“This is an incredibly emotional issue. Des walked out on us back in 2011, I was the one to pick up the phone and bring him back to the club when nobody else wanted him so this is not a place that we want to be.

“It’s a disappointing place for all of us and it’s very emotional.

Penn delivered a not-so subtle jab at Hasler and poured fuel on the fire over his ability to draw the most out of the team while heaping praise on potential incomer Anthony Seibold.

“We have a premiership winning team. What we need is a football department that can get us back there as quickly as possible.

“Anthony has been at the club before and he demonstrated phenomenal intellect, he’s a great tactician. Really good with the players and he’s shown he’s got credentials as a head coach.

“We’re still working through a pathway, whether that’s assistant to start or the full process. But right now we have identified him as someone we’re very interested in.”

#EXCLUSIVE: The @SeaEagles war with Des Hasler has just gone nuclear, with owner Scott Penn declaring Manly has a premiership winning roster and needs a coaching department to match. @Danny_Weidler#9Newspic.twitter.com/z4YTZpUiwI

— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) October 11, 2022

Hasler and the club have been at loggerheads in recent days over the club’s pride jersey scandal that derailed their season.

The Sea Eagles racked up seven-straight losses in the wake of the rainbow jersey drama which saw seven of the team’s best players withdraw from their Round 20 match against the Roosters on religious and cultural grounds.

Hasler is said to be considering a $1m lawsuit against the club over its decision to implement the pride jersey without consulting with the football department, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The paper reports Hasler considers his inability to fulfil contractual obligations was directly related to the pride jersey decision from club hierarchy.

He reportedly would have triggered an automatic contract extension for the 2024 season if Manly had reached the top-six in 2022.

Instead the team lost their last seven games to finish the season in 11th with Hasler’s fate now reportedly sealed.

COMING UP: Exclusive interview- Scott Penn explains why Manly are moving on from Des Hasler @9NewsSyd@NRLonNine

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) October 11, 2022

It emerged on Friday, the club has moved to install former Broncos coach Anthony Seibold as Hasler’s top assistant and future successor to the head coach position — against Hasler’s will.

Manly bosses reportedly want a succession plan in place and Hasler views Cronulla and Queensland assistant Josh Hannay as his preferred option.

On Monday evening, The Daily Telegraph released leaked emails that appeared to show Sea Eagles commercial boss Luke Tucker and Manly’s general manager of football John Bonasera were aware of the jersey design in May.

Tucker wrote in an email: “I just want to double check before production commences that we won’t have any issues with any players wearing these jerseys for this one-off game.”

Bonasera responded: “Don’t see an issue at all mate.”

Tucker elaborated: “It’s for everyone. Male, female, gay, straight, black, white, etc, etc. It’s certainly not just focused on LGBTQ.”

The Daily Telegraph reports Bonasera did not pass the information on to Hasler, with the general manager of football later apologising to the veteran coach over the communication breakdown.