Des Hasler speaks for the first time since Keith Titmuss inquest as the NRL considers heat-stress safeguards

Des Hasler has spoken for the first time since appearing at the inquest into the death of Keith Titmuss, as the NRL waits for recommendations which could include strategies to monitor heat stress and changes to pre-season training loads.

Former Manly coach Des Hasler says he uses heat stress safeguards at the Gold Coast Titans as the NRL weighs up policies to prevent another training tragedy.

Hasler last week appeared at the coronial inquest into the death of aspiring Manly player Keith Titmuss in 2020.

Titmuss collapsed in Manly’s training dojo and suffered a seizure during the Sea Eagles’ first official pre-season training session in November 2020. He was taken to hospital and died following a cardiac arrest, aged 20.

The inquest – which is not a criminal trial and no Manly staff have been accused of wrongdoing – heard Titmuss suffered from a heart condition, but his likely cause of death was exertional heatstroke.

The inquest has been adjourned until March 22, when NSW deputy state coroner Derek Lee is expected to hand down findings and recommendations.

The NRL is awaiting the recommendations, which could suggest strategies to monitor heat stress, changes to pre-season training loads and a requirement for doctors to be present at all sessions.

On the final day of the inquest, Lafo Titmuss said she hoped her son’s legacy would create a greater awareness of the dangers of heat-related illnesses and urged the NRL to act.

Des Hasler arrives at the inquest, which has adjourned until late March. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Swift

“We’d love to hear the NRL aims to prioritise heat-related injuries to the same level of importance as its spinal, cardiac and concussion policies,” Lafo said.

“We sincerely hope the recommendations from this inquest will be instructive, not just to the NRL, but to all sports codes across Australia and worldwide.

“Our ultimate aspiration is heat-related illnesses will no longer be underestimated and lives can be saved. If it means we save a life, that’s it.”

One of Hasler’s first moves after being appointed coach of the Titans last year was to construct a purpose-built dojo at the club’s Parkwood headquarters.

The Titans have spent the pre-season splitting training sessions between the field, dojo, gym and beach to prepare for the 2024 NRL Premiership.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his appearance at the inquest, Hasler said: “It’s very sad, it was a very trying week for the family.

“They’ll adjourn now and come forward with some recommendations. Hopefully only positive things will come out of that.

“I think they (NRL) will wait to get the recommendations and then they’ll make decisions.”

When asked if he used heat stress monitors in the Titans’ dojo, Hasler said: “All the time, all the time.”

Titmuss was a promising up-and-coming Manly star. Picture: NRL Photos

Hasler later clarified that the kestrel heat stress monitors were used for field training sessions.

Hasler will sit in a coaches’ box for the first time since his 2022 Sea Eagles sacking when the Titans face the Dolphins in an NRL Pre-season Challenge trial match on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

Hasler has named a team of mostly rookies and fringe first graders, opting to rest the likes of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika, AJ Brimson and Kieran Foran until Sunday week’s trial against Parramatta at Ipswich.

He faces being without star duo David Fifita (pec) and Jayden Campbell (knee) for the first month of the NRL Premiership, but said they were tracking well.

“That’s what they’re estimating but (Campbell’s) progressing really well,” Hasler said.

“David Fifita had a positive surgeon’s report yesterday and is probably another week-and-a-half to hit full training.”

Hasler faced the media on Friday for the first time since November 3 last year, but brought an abrupt end to the press conference.

“On that note we’re finished,” he said after five minutes and 40 seconds.

“Yeah, we’re finished, I’m done. That’s enough. That’ll do.”

Originally published as Des Hasler speaks for the first time since Keith Titmuss inquest as the NRL considers heat-stress safeguards