Hasler pivots in new game plan for Dogs
DES Hasler is about to show the rest of the NRL there’s still fight in the old dog yet.
In an attempt to salvage pride and points from Canterbury’s forgettable season, Hasler is tipped to produce one of the gutsiest moves of his 13year coaching career – shifting centre Chase Stanley to fiveeighth against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium tonight.
Stanley’s surprise shift to the halves alongside Josh Reynolds is expected to be one of several key changes made by Hasler, who will miss his first finals series since 2004.
Brenko Lee, who hasn’t been sighted since Round 13, will fill Stanley’s right-centre position.
It’s anticipated utility Matt Frawley will make way for Stanley.
Either Frawley or back-up hooker Michael Lichaa are likely to be dropped to the NSW Cup, while Moses Mbye will remain at dummy-half.
By altering his line-up and attacking structure, Hasler is sending a message to the Bulldogs board that he’s willing to do everything possible to remain at the helm next year. Stanley, 28, has played just five matches at five-eighth since 2013 – four with former club St George Illawarra.
He has been working overtime to form a combination with Reynolds at training.
His only appearance for Canterbury at five-eighth was 1168 days ago – against the Sydney Roosters in 2014. The Dogs lost 32-12.
While he may not boast a recognised kicking game, Stanley’s combined height of 188cm and weight of almost 100kg offers the Dogs a significant uplift in size in the halves.
Stanley’s opposite, Eels five-eighth Corey Norman, is of almost identical size.
Hasler gave no indication of his team sheet overhaul at yesterday’s final press conference.
Instead, he highlighted the fact the Dogs were beaten by the Eels 13-12 in golden-point when they last met in Round 17.
“The mindset is still focused on winning against a Parramatta side that is going pretty well,’’ Hasler said.
“We’re going to have to play well because they’re playing with a lot of confidence.”