LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a classic clash of wills, Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler is gearing up to face off against his former club Manly for the first time since making the switch to the Titans.
With the Titans yet to notch a win this NRL season, Hasler is feeling the pressure to secure a victory against his old team in the upcoming grudge match on Saturday.
Despite his fiery feud with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and the Titans' winless start to the season, Hasler remains tight-lipped on one burning question - the $565,000 settlement offer from Manly.
The seasoned coach, who has a storied history with the Sea Eagles as both a player and a coach, is embroiled in a legal dispute with his former club over the settlement amount, which is currently before the NSW Supreme Court.
Hasler's departure from Manly came in the midst of the Pride jersey fiasco in 2022, when a group of players boycotted wearing rainbow-designed jerseys, resulting in a tumultuous end to the season for the Sea Eagles.
Despite the fallout, Hasler looks back on his time at Manly with fondness, but remains focused on the task at hand with the Titans.
"It's all about cherishing those memories and experiences," Hasler reflected on his time at Manly.
"But now, I'm pumped about the opportunities here at the Titans." With a hint of anticipation in the air, Hasler is poised to lead his Titans into battle against his old club, as the stage is set for a showdown that promises to be nothing short of electrifying.