Des Hasler, a veteran in the rugby league coaching arena, has reached a significant milestone by coaching his 500th game. This achievement comes at a time when Hasler is navigating the complexities of leading the Gold Coast Titans, a team that has struggled to find its footing in the NRL. Despite the challenges, Hasler remains focused on the connections he has built throughout his career.
Reflecting on his journey, Hasler emphasized the importance of relationships in his coaching career. “With the other coaches who have surpassed 500 games or even young coaches on their journey, you learn the value of connections you make with people, the genuine ability to relate,” he stated. “Twenty years down the track, 500 games down the track, people from the time I started coaching in 1997 at a club level, when they come back and still are in your life, or you’re crossing over and come back and regale about past times, that’s when you realise wow, the impact you have on peoples’ lives.”
Challenges with the Titans
Hasler’s tenure with the Titans has been marked by more struggles than triumphs. The team, which has yet to achieve significant success, is currently operating with a roster that includes five fullbacks and two high-profile forwards, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and David Fifita, who have played a combined total of just 45 games since Hasler’s arrival. With the Titans languishing at the bottom of the standings, the future of Hasler’s contract remains uncertain.
Despite the speculation surrounding his position, Hasler remains committed to his passion for coaching. “I’m still enjoying it, I enjoy coaching,” he said. “If you enjoy coaching, you keep doing it.” His dedication is evident, even as he acknowledges the dramatic nature of the NRL. “When I started, a football journo reported on the game,” Hasler remarked. “It’s more like Days of Our Lives and Home and Away these days. It’s all about the melodrama.”
A Storied Career
Des Hasler’s coaching career is as storied as it is impactful. Rising from the aftermath of the Super League war and the Northern Eagles debacle, he transformed Manly into a formidable force, guiding the Sea Eagles to two premierships. His tenure at Canterbury also saw him reach the finals, only to fall short against South Sydney in 2014. Throughout his career, Hasler has been known for his unique approach, from his distinctive hairstyle to his innovative sports science methods.
“[The players] need to know that you’re vulnerable. That you have that real care factor.” — Des Hasler
Hasler’s ability to connect with his players has set him apart from his peers. “You look at Wayne Bennett, who is different from Ricky Stuart, who is different from Craig Bellamy, who is different from Warren Ryan or Tim Sheens,” Hasler noted. “You look at all the coaches who have longevity, each one is entirely different.”
Connecting with Players
Des Hasler’s coaching philosophy emphasizes genuine connections with players. His dedication to his players is evident in his relationships with them, such as Kieran Foran, who has followed Hasler across clubs, and Manase Fainu, whom Hasler continues to support despite Fainu’s legal troubles. “All coaches, if you ask them, the players are human,” Hasler explained. “They are real people, they experience every emotion that you do, that coaches and everyone does.”
This commitment to authenticity and vulnerability has earned Hasler the respect and loyalty of his players, even as the Titans face ongoing challenges. “It’s knowing that you’re being really genuine with them, there’s always that honesty factor,” he said. “But also these days particularly they need to know that you’re vulnerable. That you have that real care factor.”
Looking Forward
As Des Hasler celebrates his 500th game, the future remains uncertain. The Titans’ struggles on the field have cast a shadow over his milestone, but Hasler’s passion for coaching and his dedication to his players remain unwavering. “How lucky am I? How lucky is that?” Hasler mused, reflecting on his career and the impact he has had on the lives of those he has coached.
Whether Hasler’s journey with the Titans continues or takes a new direction, his legacy in the NRL is secure. His ability to connect with players and his commitment to the game will continue to influence the rugby league landscape for years to come.
