NRL 2024: Des Hasler to return to Manly for the first time since beginning legal action against the club

Rugby league is poised for a spicy and dramatic homecoming for one of Manly’s favourite sons when Des Hasler travels with his Titans to Brookvale Oval for the first time since beginning legal action against the club.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Des Hasler head coach of the Titans speaks to the media during the round four NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium, on March 30, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

For the first time in rugby league history, a coach will this week return to the home ground of a club he is suing.

Des Hasler’s Gold Coast Titans, having won three successive games, will play his former club Manly at Brookvale Oval this Sunday afternoon.

It is certain to be a spicy and dramatic homecoming for one of Manly’s favourite sons.

Hasler was coy when contacted about the match by this masthead, only saying: “Brookvale Oval is always a challenging place to visit but, at the same time, it can bring out your best footy. We will need to play our best footy to beat Manly at home.”

Perhaps fearing a question about the looming Manly game, the usually reserved Hasler prematurely shut down a post-game press conference on Saturday after his side’s win over Parramatta.

“Have a good evening, bye bye,” Hasler said.

Despite his achievements at Manly, there is every chance he will be jeered by the Brookvale faithful when his face flashes across the big screen.

The Titans head to Brookvale in great form. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Hasler launched legal proceedings against Manly after his contract at the club was terminated on October 13, 2022.

Manly offered Hasler a $650,000 payout but the coach is seeking a figure of around $1m. Mediation talks between both parties have failed.

“Yeah, looking forward to it and I’m sure Des is,” said Gold Coast and former Manly star Kieran Foran.

“I know the boys will be right up for it. It will be a really big test for us down there at 4 Pines.

“I won’t lie, we want to play finals footy so that is the talk in the team. The reality is that we have to keep winning games.”

Fox League commentator Cooper Cronk added: “These are the types of games where the coach (Hasler) will play a couple of his old tricks to get the Titans fired up about what the opposition will be doing.”

Hasler had an ugly split with Manly. Picture: NRL Photos

Hasler has had two coaching stints at Brookvale between 2004 and 2011 and then again between 2019 and 2022.

Although his two departures as Manly coach have been unpleasant, Hasler remains a Sea Eagles icon.

Hasler played 256 games for Manly between 1984 and 1993 before returning for another two seasons from 1995. He played halfback in Manly’s 1987 grand final win.

Nicknamed the Mad Professor, Hasler won premierships as Manly coach in 2008 and 2011, when Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans were the halves.

The pair will confront each other this Sunday.

“You’ve got (Daly) Cherry-Evans at seven and Kieran Foran at seven, both game managing their sides,” said Australian coach Mal Meninga. “It’s going to be a great battle.”

Hasler left Manly in controversial circumstances for Canterbury after winning the 2011 grand final.

Overall, Hasler won 170 from 303 games as coach at Brookvale.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Des Hasler to return to Manly for the first time since beginning legal action against the club