Andrew Johns, a rugby league legend, believes it would be unjust for the Gold Coast Titans to dismiss coach Des Hasler without first allowing him to work with a proper halfback. The Titans currently sit near the bottom of the NRL standings with only two wins from eight games this season, exacerbated by the absence of experienced playmaker Kieran Foran, who is sidelined due to a biceps injury sustained during pre-season.
Johns emphasises that Hasler’s coaching capabilities shouldn’t be called into question, as he has a proven track record, including premiership victories with Manly in 2008 and 2011. The coach’s future has come under scrutiny following reports about contract clauses that may allow for termination if performance doesn’t improve. Despite the pressure he’s facing, Hasler denied any thoughts of leaving the club.
The Titans’ struggles have been attributed to a lack of consistency rather than poor coaching. Johns points out that the team’s performance fluctuates significantly from set to set, highlighting their struggles during crucial moments of the game. He argues that without a dominant No.7 calling the shots, even the best coach would struggle to lead the team effectively.
The team does have a promising young talent in 18-year-old Zane Harrison, but he is deemed too inexperienced to take over the position right now. With Foran sidelined, the Titans have cycled through various players in the halfback role, failing to establish a stable combination. Johns notes that the team’s roster lacks a strong leader who can motivate and direct the players on the field, such as a commanding presence like David Fifita, who is currently recovering from surgery.
While there’s speculation about other coaches, like former Broncos coach Kevin Walters, potentially taking over, he has refrained from commenting on Hasler’s situation, maintaining respect for the current coach and the club.
As the Titans prepare to face the Knights in their next match, Johns advocates for giving Hasler the time and resources to develop the team, especially as they await Harrison’s emergence as a future star. He insists that the lack of a reliable halfback is a critical issue that deserves attention before any drastic decisions are made regarding coaching staff.