Hasler Hits Coaching Milestone Amidst Uncertainty

A look at Des Hasler’s 500th NRL game and his complex legacy

Des Hasler is set to join an elite group of rugby league coaches this Saturday, reaching his 500th NRL head coaching match. The milestone arrives amidst reports suggesting his tenure with the Gold Coast Titans may be cut short.

Entering Rare Air

The upcoming clash between the Titans and Warriors at Go Media Stadium marks a significant achievement for Des Hasler. He becomes the sixth coach in the sport’s history to officiate 500 top-grade games, a testament to his enduring presence in the competition.

Despite a challenging year with the Titans, where speculation about his future abounds, the magnitude of reaching 500 games remains undeniable. As one former player, James Graham, told foxsports.com.au, “Just a huge congratulations for what he’s done for the game as a whole. I’m proud of him for lasting this long.”

A Distinct Coaching Persona

Longevity in the NRL coaching ranks requires a unique character, and Hasler is widely considered one such figure. His career boasts dual premierships and 270 wins, but it’s also marked by distinctive press conferences, memorable blow-ups, and at times, contentious club exits.

Recent footage captured Hasler unleashing a furious tirade on Titans players in a shower, a scene that, while impactful, is not unprecedented for the often intense coach. This behaviour, while part of his public persona, is contrasted by the private man described by those closest to him.

A Deeper Perspective

Kieran Foran, who shared a premiership with Hasler at Manly in 2011 and was handed his NRL debut by him, maintains a close bond. Foran suggests the public often misses Hasler‘s more affable side.

“What’s always been interesting from people that have asked me about what he’s like, I think it’s that the majority of the public don’t get to see Des’ jovial side. Playing under him, you really get to see that side. He’s actually quite a funny bugger. He’s got a great sense of humour.

People see his press conferences and see his blow ups and probably think he’s someone that doesn’t have a laugh or give off those warm vibes, but he actually is very warm. Around the club he’s giving blokes cuddles, he knows what to say at the right time, he knows when to have a laugh and a joke. He’s always caring about where everyone is at in their lives. That’s just not his players but his staff as well.

He’s a great reader of people … He’s a really caring and genuine guy and I think the public probably don’t get to see that guy.

I don’t think I’ve ever known someone to have such an integrity that Des has. Even if things are going pear-shaped, he’s got this incredible ability to treat everyone exactly the same.

He’s a unique guy. Everyone talks about his pretty quirky traits and how he’s a deep thinker, but I’ve always related to him.

He’s been his own man and he’s believed in his systems and how he’s done things… He’s a man of such high integrity and he’s got great values and morals as a human being.”

—Kieran Foran, NRL Player

Hasler’s coaching career, outside of his current Titans role, has been largely successful. After his 2011 premiership with Manly, he moved to the Bulldogs, transforming the club into a premiership contender. During his six seasons at the club, they reached two grand finals and only missed the finals once.

James Graham, who played under Hasler at the Bulldogs for all six seasons, highlighted the coach’s impact on the team’s performance.

“I got to the Bulldogs for the pre-season for the 2012 campaign. I was new to the NRL but even speaking to the lads and my new teammates were telling me how things had gone up with the arrival of Des. They always trained hard at the Bulldogs, but Des took it to another level.

He dived into other areas that maybe hadn’t been so prominent before such as altitude chambers, heart rate monitors in cardio sessions. He wasn’t afraid to experiment with different ideas with how to get the best out of his players.

His intensity and what he demanded of his players was a huge factor as well.

He implemented a new plan of attack, a new defensive structure. Those early years, it was adopted really well from the group.”

—James Graham, Former NRL Player

Graham described Hasler as an intensely driven and intelligent coach, emphasizing his “constant pursuit of excellence.”

Titans Stint and Future Ambitions

Currently, Hasler‘s record with the Titans stands at 12 wins from 53 games, a stark contrast to his previous successes. Despite contractual clauses that could allow the club to part ways if mathematically eliminated from the finals, Titans management has downplayed rumours of an imminent departure.

Hasler himself has stated he has no plans to retire, and his close friend Foran hopes his milestone match ends in victory.

“I hope we go out and there and do a job for him. He deserves it,” Foran said. “I couldn’t be happier for him. It’s a wonderful and massive milestone to reach.”

The NRL coaching landscape often faces the same pressures as the players, with results dictating tenure. Hasler‘s ability to navigate this, while maintaining his unique approach, will continue to be a subject of interest.