Des Hasler drama takes fresh twist as telling new Manly email emerges
A telling email to Des Hasler has emerged which could hold the key to any potential legal challenge from the sacked Manly coach.
The Sea Eagles sensationally parted ways with their head coach last Thursday, despite Hasler still having a year left on his contract.
'UNSTOPPABLE': Aussie star's big statement in World Cup masterclass
'SHAMBLES': Rugby League World Cup rocked by 'embarrassing' scenes
'PETTY': Billionaire NRL icon fumes over cheeky cross-code act
Hasler's sacking was the culmination of a horror year for the club, which included the rainbow jersey debacle that saw seven Manly players stand down in protest at wearing the inclusive strip.
The veteran mentor reportedly would have been guaranteed a contract extension through 2024 had the Sea Eagles finished sixth or higher in 2022 - instead they tumbled from ninth at the beginning of the controversy to 11th by the end of the season.
Key to Hasler's frustration with the club was the assertion that neither he or the playing group were consulted about the jerseys.
Leaked emails showed that Manly's commercial boss Luke Tucker and general manager of football John Bonasera were made aware of the jerseys, with the latter apologising to Hasler for not informing the Manly coach about them.
Threats had emerged that Hasler could take legal action against Manly, due to its handling of the rainbow jersey fiasco, which "compromised his ability to fulfil his contractual obligations."
Hasler was set to earn about $950,000 on the final year of his contract in 2023, with an agreement in place that Hasler would be paid $450,000 if his deal was terminated early.
It's understood the Manly icon is seeking as much as a $1 million payout from the club though, having argued that the rainbow jersey debacle debacle compromised his ability to perform his role.
The sacked coach's lost earnings in 2024 could be central to any potential legal challenge, with a new email from Bonasera indicating the coach was not told about the rainbow jerseys.
The Sydney Morning Herald uncovered details of the latest alleged email between Bonasera and Hasler, that occurred after the release of the rainbow jerseys, on July 26.
“It was always painted as ‘Everyone in League’ to me. I genuinely don’t even remember this email,” Bonasera said in the alleged email.
“I should have engaged other people in the conversation from football before letting it go to production. We have worn several other one-off jerseys in recent weeks. I missed this as significant.
“I knew I would miss something one day [in fact I told you that I would] as I have been putting one foot in front of the other for quite a while – not thinking just doing and it’s my job to think and mitigate circumstances such as this in advance.
“I apologise for putting us in this position and understand the potential ramifications. Thanks for always supporting me.”
If Hasler does pursue legal action against Manly, the sacked coach could use the alleged email to strengthen his claims on receiving a bigger payout from the club.
The latest drama comes after Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett admitted he could "possibly have a look at" recruiting Manly's superstar Trbojevic brothers, Tom and Jake.
Wayne Bennett's admission about Trbojevic brothers
Speculation has swirled that the Trbojevic brothers could seek a move away from Manly due to the messy drama at the embattled NRL club.
Tom Trbojevic called an emergency meeting with his manager on Friday to discuss the sacking of Hasler, following reports that he and brother Jake were "concerned" about what was happening at the club.
It came after Tom and Jake's manager on Wednesday said the pair were worried about staying at Manly due to the instability at the club, amid suggestions it was "imploding" from within.
"They have expressed concern to me about the instability at the club. It has got them worried," Paul Sutton told Nine News.
"They have not spoken to me about leaving the club but they are concerned about staying there."
Bennett - who has been on the lookout for a marquee player to spearhead the NRL's newest club - confirmed his side would be keen to sign players of the calibre of the Trbojevic brothers.
“We’re interested in any player who is coming off contract or is available to negotiate,” Bennett told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We all know the standing of those two players in the game. It’s something we could possibly have a look at.”
Following Tom Trbojevic's emergency meeting with his manager over Zoom on Friday, it's emerged that the superstar fullback has no plans to seek a release from Manly.
Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov also stressed that the Trbojevic brothers were "going nowhere" and that they are the "heartbeat" of the Manly club.
with agencies
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
