Manly Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler has been sacked by the club, coming off the back of a disastrous end to their 2022 campaign.
Des Hasler : Sacking | Leaves Manly | How old is
Hasler was born in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia. He played his junior footy at Cambridge Park and Brothers Penrith and attended St Dominic’s College, Penrith.
He initially played for the Penrith Panthers, and then spent most of his playing career with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, with whom he won premierships in 1987 and 1996.
Hasler spent a season with Hull F.C. in England, returning to Manly, before finishing his playing career with the Western Suburbs Magpies. He also played for NSW City, New South Wales in State of Origin and Australia at international level.
Hasler coached Manly between 2004 and 2011, winning a further two premierships in 2008 and 2011.
He coached the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League, before returning to Manly as coach from 2019 until he was sensationally sacked at the end of the 2022 season.
Des Hasler sacking
Hasler was given his marching orders, just a few months after the coach had been critical of the club’s handling of its ‘Everyone in League’ jersey initiative, which saw seven players withdraw from selection.
The Sea Eagles’ season deteriorated thereafter, the team missing the top eight and a chance to play finals football. Hasler’s relationship with club owner Scott Penn was also said to have completely fallen apart.
Hasler was believed to have had a clause in his contract that stipulated if Manly finished inside the top six he would automatically receive a one-year extension for 2024.
But the coach will now depart the club, for a second time, ahead of next season.
Former Souths and Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has been touted as Hasler’s replacement. Seibold has been working as defence coach with England’s rugby union team under the tutelage of Australian Eddie Jones.
Hasler had been in his second stint at Manly, having previously enjoyed a storied playing career with the club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
He coached the Sea Eagles to Grand Final wins in 2008 and 2011, departing the club for Canterbury-Bankstown after his second Premiership.
Leaves Manly
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have announced the departure of Des Hasler as head coach, effective immediately.
The Sea Eagles confirmed the news in a statement that the club’s Board had unanimously resolved to pursue a new direction in 2023.
“After careful consideration, the board of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles has today unanimously decided that, in the best interests of the Club, Des Hasler will not be Head Coach of the Club for NRL season 2023,” Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Chairman Mr Scott Penn said.
“The board and the Club would like to acknowledge Des and his long history with the Club as a player and as a coach, enjoying two premierships with the Club as a player and taking the Club to two more premierships as a coach.
“We are grateful and appreciative to Des for his dedication to the Club, the team, all of its supporters and the sponsors over a long period of time. Des will always remain an icon of the Club and an integral part of the Club’s history.
“The Club is in discussions with Des and his management to try to reach an amicable resolution which is acceptable to the parties.”
How old is
As of 2022, Des Hasler is 61 years old.