Analysis: Unpacking the Titans’ shrewd clause move to safeguard from the ghosts of Des Hasler’s past

Des Hasler has been involved in two messy splits in the past, resulting in drawn-out court cases with his former clubs. The Titans have made sure they don’t become number three, writes MICHAEL CARAYANNIS.

Des Hasler was involved in two court cases with his former clubs.

Des Hasler’s last two exits from NRL clubs resulted in court cases.

The Gold Coast Titans have shown some shrewd leadership by ensuring they are in control of Hasler’s future. Not the other way around. Hasler has been involved in all too messy splits in the past.

By inserting a secret final clause into his contract it was clear where Hasler stood. Play finals footy and you’re good to go for 2026, but if not you are now at the mercy of the Gold Coast management.

It also gives an insight into what the Titans were thinking when they landed Hasler in deep secrecy in June 2023. It showed they weren’t totally convinced that he was the man to lead them out of the premiership wilderness, despite giving him a million-dollar-a-season contract.

Hasler needed the Titans as much as they needed him. While loved by the Manly playing group – highlighted by his invite to Daly Cherry-Evans’ wedding in November – if the Titans did not pursue Hasler then he was never guaranteed another crack at the NRL.

Now at the age of 64 he may be in the last season of his decorated coaching career.

His winning rate at the Titans has dipped below the man he replaced, Justin Holbrook, and Hasler won the last of his two titles as a coach in 2011 at the Sea Eagles.

While he had success at the Bulldogs following a bitter split with the Sea Eagles he was unable to land a premiership at the club. His return to Manly in 2019 had immediate success but by the end of 2022 he was out of the club after winning just nine games in a year plagued by the rainbow jersey fiasco.

Justin Holbrook was dumped unceremoniously to bring Hasler in. Picture: NRL Imagery

That is where Hasler’s coaching stint may have ended before the Titans stunned the rugby league world by announcing Hasler as Holbrook’s replacement.

The well-liked Holbrook was considered a softer touch and the management considered they needed someone with a harder edge. Enter Hasler. Dojo gym and all. It has resulted in just 10 wins from 31 games with a 31.3 win rate.

That sits him well behind Holbrook’s 37.8 per cent and on par with Garth Brennan’s unhappy 40-game stint which netted 12 wins before he was shown the door.

Des Hasler's Titans coaching record.

The Titans team has also leaked more points under Hasler than any other permanent coach at the club.

The same question marks remain at the Titans since Hasler took over. What is the club’s best halves pairing? Can he unlock David Fifita? They have made little development on either.

You have to feel sorry for the Titans. They’ve tried everything. From rookie coaches, seasoned campaigners to premiership winners. Nothing seems to work.