NRL icon Andrew Johns believes it would be unjust for the Gold Coast Titans to part ways with coach Des Hasler without allowing him the chance to work with a competent halfback.
The Titans currently find themselves near the bottom of the NRL standings, managing only two victories from their first eight matches this season.
Veteran playmaker Kieran Foran has yet to feature, having suffered a biceps tear during the pre-season. The absence of his seasoned presence in the No. 7 jersey has left the team struggling.
Foran was the primary halfback for most of last season, but the Titans could only muster eight wins, impacted further by the long-term injury of inspirational captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
This week, Hasler’s future has come under scrutiny after reports from News Corp indicated that specific clauses in his contract could lead to its termination if the team’s performance does not improve.
Des Hasler. Getty
On Thursday, the coach denied any intentions of leaving the club.
Johns is calling on the Titans’ management not to make a hasty decision regarding Hasler’s future, emphasising his previous success at Manly, where he led the club to premiership titles in 2008 and 2011.
“Coaches often take the blame, while players seem to escape scrutiny,” Johns remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
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“Des has a track record; his achievements at Manly speak volumes. He guided the Bulldogs to two grand finals as well. It’s puzzling why he can’t seem to get results with the Titans.
“You witness some teams struggling for performance week on week, but with the Titans, it’s a matter of inconsistencies within each set. One moment they dazzle, and the next, they fumble the ball. They’re a frustrating team to watch.
“Their inconsistency isn’t solely due to the coach. Des is capable. If he departs, I’m baffled as to who they would bring in next?”
Rumours have arisen suggesting that former Broncos coach Kevin Walters could be in contention for the role.
Walters expressed his desire to return to NRL coaching but refrained from speculating on a possible sacking of Hasler.
“I’ve always maintained I want to coach again, but discussing Des and the Titans feels a touch disrespectful,” Walters shared on Fox League.
“Do I want to coach again? Absolutely. I’ve been outspoken about my aspirations, but it needs to be the right moment and the right team.”
Johns emphasised that regardless of who the coach is, without a commanding No. 7 on the field, the outcome remains unchanged.
Foran, now 34, is the focus, while the club is also looking towards 18-year-old Zane Harrison as a potential future replacement.
Harrison made his Queensland Cup debut just last month and is still considered far from ready for the top level.
Kieran Foran of the Titans has been injured. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
“They’ve been tinkering with their halves and spine; Jayden Campbell is a talented player but doesn’t naturally fit as a halfback, which hampers their progress,” Johns pointed out.
“It’s a roster issue. They lack that distinct player who can consistently command the forwards. For instance, David Fifita would show a different level of performance with a strong halfback directing him.
“I’ve heard promising things about their young prospect Zane Harrison, but at just 18, he’s still very much a novice. You can’t rush him into the spotlight yet; he may not be ready for at least another year or two.”
As it stands, the Titans will be without $1 million back-rower David Fifita for at least a month due to recently undergone corrective ankle surgery.
Fifita was dropped by Hasler two weeks ago following a series of inconsistent performances.
The Titans are set to face the Knights on Friday evening.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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