Gold Coast Titans may have lost best chance to axe Des Hasler, Harry Grant the man for Maroons

When the Gold Coast Titans sought to clap back at critics of embattled coach Des Hasler, all they managed to achieve was to smack themselves in the face, writes BRENT READ.

You’ve got to give some credit to the Gold Coast Titans. They’re running stone motherless last on the NRL ladder but they still manage to keep their sense of humour. Somehow, they’re still having a bit of fun.

How else do you explain the press statement they released on Thursday night (see below) only minutes after Manly and the Newcastle Knights had kicked off at McDonald Jones Stadium.

A few hours earlier, the NRL had released a missive of their own stating that coach Des Hasler had been given a final warning over his criticism of match officials.

So the Titans thought they would have a bit of a laugh with their response. It was dripping with sarcasm. At least, that’s the way we interpreted it given it seemed to suggest Hasler’s critique of bunker official Kasey Badger was somehow linked to speculation over his position at the helm of the Titans.

The media was partially to blame. In particular, this masthead. A few weeks ago, we revealed that there was a clause in Hasler’s contract which allowed the Titans to part ways with him once the club was mathematically out of finals contention.

Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler is under mounting pressure. Picture: NRL photos

Given the Titans are anchoring the ladder, their owners are likely to have the option to dispense with Hasler at some point in coming weeks without any financial penalty.

If not, they can wait until the end of the year and move him on without any cost if they fail to make the finals. The Titans held the whip-hand when it came to Hasler’s future.

It seems that revelation of Hasler’s contract, which he was no doubt aware of, and subsequent rumours about interest in Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has heaped more pressure on Des.

The two-time premiership winner is feeling the pinch and rather than take it out on his underperforming players or the officials who insisted on the clauses in his deal, the Titans would have you believe it contributed to him making some undeserved comments about bunker official Kasey Badger last week.

Poor Kasey was in the crosshairs because she ruled out a Titans try against the Storm. For the uninitiated, Des – we suspect somewhat facetiously – asked who was in the bunker after the game.

The Gold Coast Titans released this press release late on Thursday night.

Told it was Badger, Hasler replied: “Kasey got it wrong, again.” The NRL wasn’t happy and handed him a final warning.

Mind you, it’s not the first time Hasler has been in the crosshairs of the NRL. A few years back when he was at Manly, the Sea Eagles were fined over comments which were interpreted as criticism of match officials.

Then there was the time Hasler, in response to a crackdown on criticism of the whistleblowers, referred to them as Voldemorts in a press conference.

His time in the NRL has won him immense respect and his fair share of fines from head office for criticism of match officials. To be fair to Des, he isn’t the only NRL coach who uses smoke and mirrors as a tactic when his side loses.

The problem for Hasler is his side has lost plenty of times this season. Too often for anyone’s liking. Badger was the unfortunate target last weekend and the NRL has had enough.

Meanwhile, the Titans have vowed to stand by their man. They insisted in their statement that Hasler would remain head coach and reminded everyone that he has a contract until the end of 2026.

Only, unless the Titans have secretly taken out the clauses in Hasler’s deal, he doesn’t necessarily have a contract until the end of 2026. He is only guaranteed next year if the Titans qualify for the finals.

The Titans had all the power. They smartly put clauses in their contract designed to protect the club should things go pear-shaped.

With their statement on Thursday night, they handed much of the power back to Hasler, all but guaranteeing he will be at the club next season.

Results be damned. Hasler’s sides have won only 30 per cent of their games stretching back to his final days at Manly when the club suffered a seven-game losing streak in the wake of the Pride jersey scandal.

This year, the Titans have laboured. Little wonder there has been talk about interest in Bellamy when he comes off contract at the end of next season. Some would have you believe conversations have already been held.

Bellamy, one of the greatest coaches in the game’s history, would be a game changer for any club but the more immediate priority for the Titans is to start winning games now.

They have underachieved again this season. They are staring down the barrel of another wooden spoon unless they can get moving.

Now that, my friends, is not a laughing matter.

* * * * *

Harry Grant is the man to lead Queensland if the Maroons decide to draw the curtain on Daly Cherry-Evans’ long and distinguished career at the helm of the state on Monday.

Grant, the Storm captain, will walk into the Queensland team despite his poor performance in the opening game off the series.

He will be one of the first picked. He has time on his side given he is only 27 and in the sweet spot in his career.

He is a ripper of a bloke, comfortable in the media and fiercely proud of his state. He bleeds maroon and that is where the selection process should start.

The Maroons are about to undertake a significant change and they need a cool head to take the reins. Again, Grant has ice in his veins.

There are other options. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui would do a great job. So would Grant’s Melbourne teammate Cameron Munster.

Tom Dearden looks set to claim the No. 7 jersey and he is a captain at the Cowboys. Every fibre of his body screams inspiration.

It’s why the Maroons look set to plump for him over DCE when the team is named for Origin II. It’s a huge call, not least because it leaves behind a leadership vacuum given DCE has been the man with the armband for so long.

Grant, though, is the most obvious option. It’s a no-brainer. He should be the Maroons captain.