Des Hasler fails to appear at Bulldogs press conference

DES Hasler was nowhere to be seen at a Canterbury Bulldogs’ press conference, fuelling the speculation that he is facing the axe at Belmore.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler looks on during a press conference.

THE drums continue to beat at Belmore, around the coaching future of Des Hasler.

Speculation has surrounded the coaching future of the Canterbury coach, after a disappointing season from the club.

The Bulldogs will not play finals footy for the first time since 2011, and the first time under Hasler.

Now, Hasler has added weight to rumours regarding his sacking, after not attending the Bulldogs’ final media conference for the season.

Canterbury round out its 2017 campaign when they face St George-Illawarra at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

Canterbury Bulldogs Des Hasler with Raelene Castle after the announcement he will continue to coach the team until 2019. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The proud club sit 12th on the table, but have sat as low as 15th this season.

Hasler, instead sent assistant coach Jim Dymock in his place to fufill the media obligation, but no official reason was given for the absence of the Bulldogs’ boss.

Dymock and fellow club legend Dean Pay are the two names most heavily linked to the Bulldogs’ job should they part company with Hasler.

Dymock, surprisingly, failed to comprehensively throw his support behind Hasler, and instead outlined his coaching ambition, when asked by the media.

“I have had aspirations of being a head coach,” Dymock said.

“To be head coach of a side I spilt blood for would be an honour for me, I’d definitely put my hand up.

“If the opportunity comes, I think I’m ready. I’ve been coaching now for 13 years. I think I’ve put my time in. I think we’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves though.

“It’s hard for some people the speculation and the uncertainty, but that’s just the way of the jungle and the world we live in.”

A dejected Bulldogs side look on.

Dymock was installed as the Bulldogs’ interim head coach in 2011, after the club parted way with former boss Kevin Moore.

The former Australian and New South Wales representative was in charge for the last eight games of that season, before Hasler arrived at Belmore to start the 2012 campaign.

Hasler only recently signed a two-year extension at the club, but the Canterbury board will meet on Tuesday night, where they could decide the future of the former NRL premiership winner.

Under pressure boss Des Hasler.

But former Bulldogs’ winger Steve Turner told Fox Sports News that there was an easy explanation for Hasler’s absence from his media duties, saying there was no conspiracy at play. “No, Des has been sick the last few days,” Turner revealed.

“He has had family members that have been sick over the last few weeks as well.

“Des doesn’t miss too many media sessions, doesn’t miss too many training sessions as well.

“Jimmy put his hand up and took his spot this morning.”

Turner did concede that the constant talk surrounding Hasler has unsettled the club, and he did not know whether Hasler would remain at Belmore.

“I don’t know what is going to happen to be honest with you,” Turner said.

“It’s been a very tough year on-field. There’s been so much speculation, so much rumour.

“It’s not ideal that the club isn’t going to be playing finals footy, we’re a club that set high expectations for ourselves.

“To not be playing finals football for the first time since 2011, it is disappointing. But it is all just rumours and speculation at the moment.”

Josh Reynolds of the Bulldogs looks dejected after an Eels try.

The Bulldogs’ board met a fortnight ago and reports emerged that they had made a decision regarding Hasler’s role at the club, but would release it at the conclusion of the NRL season.

Canterbury have won its last two games against Manly and the Gold Coast, which could almost be enough to save Hasler, just as the board prepares to meet once more.

Originally published as Des Hasler fails to appear at Bulldogs press conference