Under-siege Manly coach Des Hasler will miss the first half of the club’s crunch meeting that is set to decide his future on Thursday.
Hasler will leave his agent George Mimis to meet with chief executive Tony Mestrov and chairman Scott Penn for the first half of a “two-part meeting”.
Hasler, 61, is under pressure amid reports of a fractured playing group after the Sea Eagles failed to make finals following a top-four finish last season.
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Hasler is also reportedly fighting with owner Scott Penn while skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has lost some of the dressing room in the wake of the pride jersey saga.
“I rang Des this afternoon and said ‘why aren’t you going to the meeting’ and he said well it’ll be a two-part meeting, the first bit is the emotional part to sort out the drama that has taken place this past week or since the pride jersey,” Phil Rothfield said on NRL 360.
“He insists he’ll be there for part two where they talk about the way forward from the shocking mess that they’re in.”
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Hasler is contracted until the end of 2023 and is reportedly considering walking away from his beloved Manly.
“I also spoke to Scott Penn and the outcome he’s hoping for after part two of this meeting is that they walk out of their with confirmation that Des Hasler will coach Manly next year,” Rothfield said.
But Paul Kent slammed Penn’s position and he doesn’t believe Hasler will leave the club.
“That’s just ridiculous. Des has got a contract. Des is not going anywhere,” Paul Kent responded.
“Why is Scott Penn going to a meeting hoping that a coach he’s got under contract next season is going to be coaching next season.”
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“Because there’s been some doubt all week that Des might walk away,” Rothfield said.
Hasler is reportedly desperate for support and leadership within the club’s senior management after years of instability — with six different chief executive in eight years.
Hasler has been attempting to put a succession plan in place, hoping to mentor the club’s next coach.
The Manly legend could quit his post unless his concerns are addressed ahead of next season.
But Hasler’s management may also seek a contract extension beyond the 2023 season.
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