The leading candidate in Manly’s “succession plan” for life without Des Hasler has been named as the Sea Eagles weigh up whether to agree to a contract extension for 2024.
Hasler’s future at the helm came under question after Manly crashed down the ladder at the end of the season, although in the end the experienced coach will be given one final chance.
That is according to The Sydney Morning Herald, which reported earlier in the week that Hasler will not be sacked but that Manly is unlikely to extend his contract beyond 2023.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
LISTEN TO EPISODE 24 OF THE FOX LEAGUE PODCAST WITH JARROD CROKER
That remains the case as of this weekend, with The Herald reporting Hasler and manager George Mimis are “poles apart” from Manly owner Scott Penn and new chief executive Tony Mestrov on a possible one-year extension.
Sea Eagles management is also said to be likely to push back against a move from Hasler’s camp to have performance clauses removed from his current deal.
In case you missed it, Hasler would have received a 12-month extension should the Sea Eagles have finished in the top six this year.
Should Manly agree to a one-year extension for Hasler, veteran rugby league reporter Brent Read claimed there could be a “logical succession plan” to replace him at the end of 2024.
According to Read, Sydney Roosters assistant coach Jason Ryles is the name “on the tip of everyone’s tongue” as the ongoing Manly saga bubbles away.
“Rylesy’s name is getting bandied around a bit because obviously we spoke about Manly a bit earlier before and the plan to put in place a succession plan for when Des leaves,” Read said on Triple M on Saturday.
FINALS PLAYER RATINGS
PANTHERS RATINGS: Cleary drops jaws with perfect return as flyer gets back to best
EELS RATINGS: Former Panther’s high ball horror show as danger man goes missing
“Rylesy seems to be the name that is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. He’s got two years left at the Roosters and does not have an out-clause. He’s locked in there and won’t be leaving before that. He’s in no hurry Jason and I think he’s seen what Craig Fitzgibbon and Ciraldo have done sitting around waiting for the right opportunity and I think Jason is enjoying what he is doing at the moment and what he is learning at the Roosters. He will not break that contract.”
But in saying that, Ryles would not have to if Hasler got his one-year extension and that is why Read has a suspicion something more could be at play.
“It sort of fits in seamlessly because if Des gets his one-year extension that he will take him through until the end of 2024, Rylesy then comes off-contract,” Read added.
“I think people are sort of looking at that and thinking it is a logical succession plan. There have been some other names in the mix — Josh Hannay, Ben Hornby, Dean Young. I think all things being equal Rylesy would be the guy. He’s got the same manager as Des as well so I think they see that as the logical succession plan.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘FEELING PRETTY GOOD’: Moses’ bid to play hinges on independent doctor
BIG HITS: Cleary exposes weak link in ‘masterclass’ return as Eels now face ‘hard way’
“Of course, it all comes down to Manly agreeing to that and whether Rylesy decides they’re the right club for him. They’ve had some instability off the field and obviously that’s a concern for any coach that goes into that place.
“But he’s done an amazing apprenticeship Jason, he’s been in the Melbourne system for a long time, went over to England and worked for Eddie Jones and has now come back and is working under Trent Robinson at the Roosters. I think he’s cherry-ripe to become an NRL coach but as I said, he’s not going to break that deal. If Des gets his one-year deal I think that is the way they may want to go.”
