Hasler to remain Bulldogs coach as Mortimer exits board
UNDER- PRESSURE Bulldogs coach Des Hasler will remain at Belmore until at least the end of the 2017 season after his immediate future was decided at a four-hour board meeting last night.
Club legend Steve Mortimer, who publicly criticised Hasler this week, delivered on his promise to resign from his position on the Bulldogs’ board if the former Manly mentor was retained as coach. Mortimer confirmed his comments about Hasler “not understanding Canterbury’s DNA” broke the club’s code of conduct.
“I resigned myself and I move on. It’s probably my fault,” Mortimer said.
“I’m honest but I talk too much. Des and I caught up and had a good chat. Basically, Des is right for the 2017 season and I wish him all the best.”
When asked about Hasler beyond next season Mortimer said: “I’m aware the extension will be discussed next year.”
Mortimer claimed the club had lost its DNA under Hasler’s leadership and vowed to oppose any new contract tabled to the 55-year-old, twotime premiership winner.
However, chairman Ray Dib expressed disappointment at Mortimer’s comments.
Hasler arrived for the 4pm meeting about 2.30pm, before spending 20 minutes in front of the Bulldogs’ board.
The six Canterbury board members then spent almost four hours discussing Hasler’s contract.
Despite leading the Bulldogs to two grand finals and finishing in the top-eight in each of his five years at the club, Hasler has faced boardroom pressure.
Four members of Hasler’s staff have already been forced out as part of a cost-cutting exercise.
There is also concern at the number of local juniors that have been lost to other teams since Hasler took over at the start of the 2012 season.