NRL icon Billy Slater has taken aim at Gold Coast coach Des Hasler, labelling his remarks about the club’s draw as a “whinge” after the Titans played the final match of round two, following a bye in round one.
The Titans kicked off their season with a defeat, succumbing to a 40-24 loss to Canterbury at Belmore on Sunday evening, a setback made more challenging by disruptions caused by Cyclone Alfred.
This match marked the end of round two, making it the 16th game of the current season.
The four NRL teams that headed to Las Vegas for the season’s start—Raiders, Warriors, Panthers, and Sharks—all managed to play their round two encounters before Gold Coast had even begun their campaign.
In the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat, Hasler took the opportunity to aim an unprompted jab at the NRL.
Billy Slater criticises Des Hasler for his comments on the draw. Nine
“It feels like there’s been 17 games of footy played by the time we get our chance to play,” he commented to the media.
“I’m definitely not using that as an excuse… It just seems there has been a whole lot of footy played before we arrive.”
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No reporters followed up to clarify his grievance further.
On Monday’s episode of Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast, Slater expressed his disapproval of the seasoned coach’s comments.
“You may have had a bye in round one, but that’s just how things are,” Slater stated.
“You’ve got to accept it and get on with playing your game.
“Complaining about it won’t help.
“The more it’s talked about, the more it can affect your team and distract them.”
“Ultimately, they did not begin the match particularly well. They were on the back foot right from the start, whereas the Bulldogs were fired up.”
The Titans are set to face Newcastle in round three.
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