Des Hasler addresses talk he is about to be AXED by the Gold Coast Titans - 'unfounded and all speculation'

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Under-pressure Gold Coast coach Des Hasler has hit back at talk his coaching days at the Titans are numbered, labelling the rumours 'unfounded.'
The Titans sit in 17th spot on the NRL ladder after finishing 14th last year, with two-time premiership winner Hasler not enjoying the success he was hired to achieve after Justin Holbrook was moved on in 2023.
There have been reports about Hasler's future in recent days, with one suggesting he would retire at season's end and depart the Titans - even if the club decides not to fire him.
Asked about the speculation, the coach was quick to respond.
'I can probably knock that on the head straight away,' Hasler said.
'It's unfounded. It's all unfounded and it is all speculation and that's all I can really comment on.'
The veteran mentor was then asked whether he expected to be on deck for the final season of his three-year deal in 2026.
'I'm contracted for that. Let's move on. Next question,' he retorted.
Hasler said the speculation about him had not been a distraction ahead of the home derby clash with Brisbane on Sunday afternoon, as he was quizzed about why his coaching tenure at the club wasn't working out.
'I wouldn't say it's not working,' he said.
'Obviously the results haven't shown that, but everybody at the club is working really hard and that's the part you don't see.'
Meanwhile, the Broncos will rest NSW prop Payne Haas as they target a fifth consecutive win.
Haas has been managing a lower back complaint all season and coach Michael Maguire has taken the opportunity to rest him.
The Broncos staged a thrilling 22-18 comeback win over Canterbury last week without their State of Origin players - and ominously for the Titans, key trio Reece Walsh, Gehamat Shibasaki and Pat Carrigan will all return to club footy.
Veteran Ben Hunt was also named to play after a nine-week absence with a hamstring injury, and will slot in at hooker.
It will also mark the first time Brisbane's first-choice spine - comprised of electric fullback Walsh, pivot Ezra Mam, halfback Adam Reynolds and Hunt - have played together all season.
Earlier this week, Titans veteran Kieran Foran confirmed 2025 will be his final season in the NRL.
'Foz' made his first grade debut with the Sea Eagles in 2009, and won a premiership two years later in the halves alongside Daly Cherry-Evans.
He has gone onto chalk up 309 appearances at five NRL clubs - as well as play 31 games for New Zealand.