NRL legend Corey Parker has advised Des Hasler to sever ties with the Titans immediately if the speculations surrounding his possible retirement are accurate.
The 64-year-old has struggled to revitalise the Gold Coast’s fortunes since taking charge at the beginning of the last season, with the team currently sitting at the bottom of the standings.
Although Hasler is under contract for another year, there is increasing chatter about an early departure considering his poor record during his tenure.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, highlighted by a heavy defeat against the Broncos followed by a disappointing loss to a Parramatta side that was missing key players Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, putting more pressure on Hasler.
Gold Coast Titans players during their round 16 defeat against Parramatta Getty
Despite the turmoil, the former Manly premiership winning coach dismissed the speculation as mere “rumour and innuendo” when questioned by reporters after the round 16 match.
“I’m not sure if there’s any credible speculation out there, but we obviously don’t want to be sitting in last place,” Hasler commented on Sunday evening.
While he himself denied any plans to exit coaching at the end of the year, the landscape of rugby league can shift rapidly, and there often lies truth beneath the whispers.
During a discussion on SENQ Breakfast, Parker pointed out that there would be “no benefit” in retaining Hasler as head coach if he is indeed contemplating retirement.
Titans head coach Des Hasler Getty
“There has been some speculation about Des Hasler’s potential retirement at season’s end – if that’s the case, he should depart now,” Parker stated.
“If he intends to retire, then he should leave immediately… only Des and the management know the situation, and they could consider bringing in someone qualified as a successor.
“There’s no benefit in keeping him on if he’s planning to leave.”
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Hasler boasts an impressive coaching background dating back to the late 2000s and early 2010s, securing two premierships with the Sea Eagles.
He also led the Canterbury Bulldogs to grand final matches in 2012 and 2014, although his time at Belmore ended poorly.
A second spell with Manly ended with disappointment when he was dismissed at the close of the 2022 season, largely due to the rainbow jersey controversy that caused division in the squad, and his time in Queensland has yielded similar results.
If he were to step down or be relieved of his duties by the Titans, names such as Willie Peters, Josh Hannay, and Brad Arthur are expected to feature in discussions regarding his potential replacement.
Willie Peters is making strides towards securing an NRL role Getty
Peters, in particular, has been building an impressive portfolio, leading Hull KR to the top of the Super League table, as well as achieving success in the recent Challenge Cup final.
Jim Lenihan, who served as interim coach for the Titans following Justin Holbrook’s departure, remains part of the staff under Hasler and could also be considered for the role.
Brett White and Michael Monaghan are other assistant coaches at the club.
The Gold Coast faces a crucial round 17 match against the struggling Cowboys, which they must win, before enjoying a bye the following weekend.
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