Des Hasler won't quit the Gold Coast Titans
Defiant Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler says he's not walking away dismissing reports he's heading towards retirement with his battling team set to win the NRL wooden spoon.
reports last week suggested the premiership winner was set to end what has been a horror tenure at the Titans despite being contracted until 2026.
The Titans are last on the ladder with just four wins from 16 games having won just eight games in 2024.
But after going down 26-14 to the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday night, Hasler addressed his future and made it clear that the 'great signs' at the club were enough for him to stay out.
Hasler said he was only getting started in his second season in charge and wanted to coach the team in 2026.
'Of course, yep,' he said.
'I don't take any notice of reports because I know what we've got here and I know what's been said, so the speculation is unfounded.
'We have only been at it 18 months. I'm not trying to make excuses, I'm one of the most competitive people that you could come across, and it's not something I am enjoying, particularly when I know what's in the four walls.
Des Hasler says he isn't quitting the Titans. Picture: NRL Photos
'I think if you're going to be fair, if you're not looking at it in a biased way or you don't have an agenda, there are some great signs there tonight.'
The Titans have only played finals once in the past nine years. but Hasler was adamant the future of the club was 'strong'.
'What you saw tonight was the effort and the willingness to work hard,' he said.
'If we can just execute better, and limit some of the mistakes... it is a very competitive side, so the future of the Titans, I think, is quite strong.'
Hasler had the backing of Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui who has been linked to a potential move away from the NRL battlers in pursuit of some success.
'For sure, I think every week, no matter what the situation is, you go out and play for your coach,' he said on Sunday.
'Nothing changes for me, same mentality every week.'
'What you saw tonight was the effort and the willingness to work hard,' he said.
'If we can just execute better, and limit some of the mistakes... it is a very competitive side, so the future of the Titans, I think, is quite strong.'
The Titans next play last year's wooden spooners the Tigers next Sunday and a win could keep their mathematical chances of playing finals alive.
Originally published as Veteran NRL coach Des Hasler says he won't be walking away from the Gold Coast Titans
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