LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Corey Parker has called for an immediate coaching change for the Gold Coast Titans, emphasizing that Des Hasler will not be with the team next season.
The Titans are currently last on the NRL ladder after 18 rounds, with only four wins, continuing a disappointing trend from the previous year when they finished 14th.
Despite injuries affecting the team, Hasler has not managed to effectively utilize several representative players available for selection.
Speculation has circulated recently regarding Hasler's potential retirement at the end of the season, which he publicly dismissed following the Titans' loss to the Eels in round 17, stating, "No, they're just whispers, mate.
It's just rumour and innuendo." However, leading journalists have since corroborated the claims, indicating that Hasler will indeed not return for 2025.
Michael Carayannis remarked on SEN radio, "It'll be called a retirement but it's a mutual understanding.
The Titans can call it whatever they like but Des won't be the coach next season.
It's been an absolute failure."
Earlier reports indicated that Hasler's contract includes a clause that allows the Titans to part ways if they fail to reach the top eight.
Carayannis elaborated on this, stating, "He originally signed a three-year deal but there's clauses in his deal and one of those is a top eight clause.
That is if they don't make the top eight this year, the Titans are under no obligation to keep him at the club next year." Additionally, he mentioned that the club could act on this clause once they are mathematically out of finals contention.
The Titans appear to be facing a challenging path ahead to make the finals, suggesting that a coaching change could be imminent.
Overall, the combination of Hasler's performance and team struggles has prompted calls for immediate action regarding the coaching position.