Hasler responds to speculation about his future
Joel Gould |
Gold Coast coach Des Hasler has hit back at talk that his coaching days at the Titans are numbered.
The Titans are in last place on the NRL ladder after finishing 14th last year, with two-time premiership winner Hasler not enjoying the success he was hired to achieve after previous coach Justin Holbrook was axed in 2023.
There have been reports about Hasler’s future in recent days, with one suggesting he would retire at season’s end and depart the Titans even if the club decides not to fire him.
Asked about the speculation, the coach was quick to respond.
“I can probably knock that on the head straight away,” Hasler said.
“It’s unfounded. It’s all unfounded and it is all speculation and that’s all I can really comment on.”
The veteran mentor was then asked whether he expected to be on deck for the final season of his three-year deal in 2026.
“I’m contracted for that. Let’s move on. Next question,” he retorted.
Hasler said the speculation about him had not been a distraction ahead of the home derby clash with Brisbane on Sunday afternoon, as he was quizzed about why his coaching tenure at the club wasn’t working out.
“I wouldn’t say it’s not working,” he said.
“Obviously the results haven’t shown that, but everybody at the club is working really hard and that’s the part you don’t see.”
Meanwhile, the Broncos will rest NSW prop Payne Haas from the clash as they target a fifth consecutive win.
Haas has been managing a lower back complaint all season and coach Michael Maguire has taken the opportunity to rest him.
Rookie prop Ben Talty will get his second NRL game in a row and is set to slot on to the bench.
“Payne won’t play. It’s more a case of looking after him really,” Maguire said.
“He has had a fair bit going over the last month with his back, so we feel it’s the right thing to do at the moment.
“Ben performed really well last week. I like to pick on performances, so he will come in and do a good job again.
“Payne will be back in next game. We are going into the bye, so I felt that timing was good for us to allow him to have a rest, and the boys know they have to step up and do what we did last week.”
The Broncos staged a thrilling 22-18 comeback win over Canterbury last week without their State of Origin players, but Reece Walsh, Gehamat Shibasaki and Pat Carrigan all return.
Veteran Ben Hunt also returns from a nine-week absence with a hamstring injury and slots in at hooker.
“Everyone knows his experience, 300 games and what he brings. He is a competitor, but it’s the little effort areas I look at with Hunty,” Maguire said.
“You look at him in big games, he leads kick chase, he does the kick pressure and the little things that people don’t get applauded for. He will be a great addition for us.”
AAP
