NRL 2022: Key Des Hasler ally splits with Manly Sea Eagles

Manly’s tumultuous off-season is showing no signs of settling down as one of Des Hasler’s key allies cuts ties with the club.

Manly Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler.

Manly’s first major backroom change has happened with Des Hasler’s long-term mind coach John Novak splitting with the club.

Novak’s departure is expected to be the first of a host of structural changes which will be made at the club before the start of pre-season as speculation continues surrounding Hasler’s future at the club. The situation for Hasler is becoming eerily similar to his final season at Canterbury where a host of changes were made to his staff before he eventually parted ways with the club.

Novak has been a trusted source for Hasler for more than a decade. He confirmed he had left the club.

“I have resigned from my position as Manly’s mindset coach,” Novak said.

Mindset coach John Novak has left Manly.

“My time at Manly – first in 2011 winning a grand final with Des and the team – and the last four years has been filled with extraordinary joy, passion and immense positivity. I feel sincerely blessed to have been part of a club that I followed as a kid.”

Novak followed Hasler to the Bulldogs where he worked as the club’s head of mind management for five seasons.

He left Canterbury before Hasler’s final season at the club in 2017.

Novak’s departure was part of a host of changes made to Hasler’s staff in his last year at Canterbury when the likes of Noel Cleal were also moved on. Cleal also followed Hasler in his return to Manly.

Hasler’s current assistant coaches Chad Randall and Michael Monaghan as well as head of performance Don Singe face an uncertain future at Manly. Randall has been linked to the Bulldogs.

The situation at Manly for Des Hasler is becoming eerily similar to his final season at Canterbury.

Novak and Hasler reunited at Manly ahead of the 2019 season.

“This also ends 10 years of closely collaborating with the maestro Dessie Hasler,” Novak said. “Being there every twist and turn of the journey. I am very proud of what we achieved together.

“I am really looking forward to the new opportunities that await. My sincerest best wishes to all the boys and their families in the future, the club and their fans. Their friendships and bonds created will last forever in my heart and soul. May the maroon and white flags fly high.”

Recent peace talks between Hasler and Sea Eagles management only fuelled the angst between the two parties. Hasler is still jostling for a 12-month extension on his deal which expires next season but Manly are reluctant to make that commitment.