Manly powerbrokers remain committed to again releasing their “Everyone in League” jersey in 2023 despite the role the controversial initiative played in the demise of Des Hasler.
The Sea Eagles terminated Hasler’s employment with a season remaining on his contract, alleging he had breached the terms of the agreement by bringing the club into disrepute.
Based on legal advice they have received, Manly believe they are entitled to tear up the contract without paying Hasler a single dollar, having already put in a safeguard in the deal that caps any payout to about $450,000.
Hasler, meanwhile, believes he is entitled to a payout and is considering launching legal action on the grounds he didn’t get a fair chance to earn the top-six finish required to trigger a contract extension for 2024 due to management failings.
In a bid to bring the matter to a close and let the parties move on, sources with knowledge of the situation have told the Sun-Herald that the Sea Eagles are prepared to offer a settlement of about $500,000.
Whether that is enough to placate the two-time premiership coach – who will now finish his tenure four games short of equalling Bob Fulton as Manly’s longest-serving coach – remains to be seen. However, it is viewed as the first step towards the resolution to a conflict that was sparked by the club’s inclusiveness jersey.
Manly’s pride jersey.Credit:Manly Sea Eagles
Hasler was widely lauded for the way he handled curly questions about religion and inclusivity when he and captain Daly Cherry-Evans fronted the press in July. However, the club’s owners and management felt he had shifted blame from himself and onto them as the issue effectively cruelled their premiership campaign.
Seven players boycotted the “Everyone in League” clash against the Roosters in round 20, with the under-strength side suffering a 20-10 loss. The players returned the following week, but the side never recovered, losing their remaining matches to finish the season in 11th spot.
The intention behind the “Everyone in League” jersey was to unite the community and showcase the club and the game as being inclusive. Sea Eagles officials won’t walk away from those values and intend to run the promotion again, albeit with better consultation with the playing group.
The original launch was timed to coincide with Women in League round in a bid to bring attention to the contribution of females to football. However, the subsequent controversy overshadowed the NRL’s initiative and will likely be shifted to another time of the season in 2023.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys flagged the prospect of the NRL launching an inclusivity round next year and Manly want to work with head office to avoid the pitfalls of their inaugural launch.
Former Rabbitohs and Broncos coach Anthony Seibold is poised to take over from Hasler once he finishes his commitments with the English national rugby team. Once Hasler’s severance is officially agreed, the former Dally M coach of the year is expected to take up a deal of up to three years, with a view to beginning in mid-November.
