Dogs fans say Hasler must go
Taylor helps pull strings in Tigers’ defeat
ANGRY Bulldogs fans have started a petition to get coach Des Hasler sacked in the countdown to today’s Round 14 clash against the Dragons.
Hasler’s 14th-placed Bulldogs will try to snap a fourmatch losing streak against the third-placed St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium.
That will be followed tomorrow night by what is expected to be a highly emotional members’ forum at the Canterbury Leagues Club, where supporters will get to air their frustrations.
It also emerged yesterday that disgruntled fans had set up an online petition on the website change.org calling for Hasler’s axing.
It addressed “uninspiring” and “underwhelming performances”, and read in part: “We the club members and fans are tired of the excuses and false promises. It’s time to change for the better. Remove Des Hasler immediately!”
The petition also called for the reinstatement of Bulldogs legend Steve Mortimer, who stood down from the board last year after speaking out against Hasler.
While there is little chance Hasler will be sacked given he was handed a contract extension this year and has chairman Ray Dib’s full support, the petition illustrates the growing unrest among members and supporters. HE had to wait 83 days but Jason Taylor last night exacted sweet revenge on the club that ruthlessly sacked him.
The Sydney Roosters assistant coach helped guide his new team to a 40-18 win over Wests Tigers, who dumped him as head coach on March 20.
This was the first time Taylor had coached against his former club, who were belted seven tries to three.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said taking on his former club would not have been a motivating factor for Taylor.
“I didn’t even ask him this week, to be honest, how he felt. Sometimes the perception of JT is very different to the person you know,” Robinson said.
“I know it’s a good story from the outside but he just got on with his stuff. I don’t know whether he had to deal with it.
“But there’s been no difference in JT this week..
“He is really happy in his job and we are really happy with him.”