Canterbury shows door to Hasler

SYDNEY: Des Hasler’s sixyear tenure at Canterbury is over after his sacking by the NRL club.

The Bulldogs ended months of speculation yesterday when chairman Ray Dib informed Hasler of the club’s decision.

The veteran coach has paid the price for failing to take Canterbury to the finals for the first time since his arrival in 2012.

It comes just months after the Bulldogs had announced a twoyear contract extension for the dual premiershipwinning coach. But the club claimed that was never binding, allowing the board to step in and prevent Hasler staying on into the 2018 season.

It is understood Dib had completed a twoday review of the team’s football department last week, which included speaking to just three senior players.

It is also believed he has kept incoming half Kieran Foran abreast of the situation, given his close links to Hasler while at Manly.

It is not thought that Foran has a getout clause in his contract if Hasler is not at the club.

The decision could open the door for Hasler to coach the New South Wales State of Origin team next year, having worked with the Blues as an assistant before landing the top job at Manly in 2004.

Hasler’s 2017 season marked the first time he had missed the finals since his rookie year as a head coach, while he took Canterbury to grand finals in

2012 and 2014. — NZN