- Des Hasler takes the Manly Sea Eagles to court
- The former coach was fired by the club last year
- His tenure was derailed after the Pride jersey saga
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Manly are set to take on Des Hasler after the former Sea Eagles coach launched civil proceedings against the NRL club.
According to News Corp, the two sides remain at odds a year after the termination of his contract, following a dismal campaign that culminated in the Pride jersey saga.
Hasler is demanding compensation from the club after his deal with Manly was terminated with a year left on his contract.
Manly’s lawyers and Hasler’s legal representatives had hoped to settle the case out of court, but talks failed.
Hasler’s team initiated legal proceedings at the end of August and the Sea Eagles are keen to vigorously defend their calls to sack the 62-year-old.
Des Hasler has reportedly taken the Manly Sea Eagles to court following their sacking last year
A club spokesperson told News Corp: “The club will not be backing down and is prepared to defend the claim in court.”
Hasler was vociferous in criticizing the club’s handling of the Pride jersey saga, with seven players opting to sit out their Round 18 match against the Roosters.
The players cited “cultural and religious reasons” for their refusal to wear a one-off rainbow jersey during the game.
The former coach apologized to the seven stars and blamed ‘poor management’ for the saga.
“Unfortunately, the execution of what was intended to be a critically important initiative was poor,” Hasler said.
Manly went on to lose seven games on the trot, dropping them from the top eight to 11th.
Before that slump, Hasler had hoped to secure a contract extension through 2024. However, the poor end to the campaign saw the Sea Eagles terminate his contract and move on to Anthony Seibold.
“After careful consideration, the board of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles has unanimously decided that, in the best interests of the club, Des Hasler will not be head coach of the club for the 2023 NRL season,” Manly chairman Scott Penn said.
Hasler’s tenure fell apart after the Pride jersey saga rocked the club
‘Des will always remain an icon of the club and an integral part of the club’s history.’
Hasler, who won the premiership with the club in 2011, is represented by Sydney lawyer Dan McGirr.
In 2017, he sued the Bulldogs for $2.4 million after being fired by the Belmore club with two years left on his contract. The case was settled out of court.