Bulldogs in talks with replacement for Hasler

Bulldogs powerbrokers have commenced talks with a possible replacement for under-fire coach Des Hasler.

Influential figures at the club are keen for favourite son Dean Pay to return as Canterbury's on-field troubles continue under Hasler.

The Dogs are languishing in 13th on the ladder with just seven wins and 14 losses, and fans have had enough.

Pay played 184 first grade games for the Bulldogs and Eels from 1989 to 1999, and represented NSW and Australia.

He has worked as an assistant coach at the Canberra Raiders, and looks to be the most likely replacement should the Bulldogs bite the bullet and part ways with Hasler.

Despite being re-signed on a two-year deal just four months ago, Hasler's future at Belmore is uncertain unless he can right the ship in the remaining three rounds of the season.

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He was forced to front the club board two weeks agao, with Jim Dymock, Trent Barrett and Paul Green also linked to the head coaching job.

Hasler is set to miss the finals for the first time since 2004, but recently denied the scrutiny on him had affected the playing group.