Des Hasler’s predicament deepened following a disappointing defeat in Round 20, with his fiery post-match reaction caught on camera after Gold Coast’s loss to the Wests Tigers. The Titans, languishing at the bottom of the NRL ladder, had a fleeting hope of redemption when they led 20-16 with mere minutes remaining at Leichhardt Oval. However, a try from Jeral Skelton equalised the score, setting the stage for a potential golden point outcome.
In a dramatic turn of events, Adam Doueihi’s field goal, struck just 15 seconds before the final whistle, sent the home crowd into celebration while the Titans were left reeling. Speaking to the media afterwards, Hasler did not hold back, labelling his team’s late-game performance “really dumb” and expressing disappointment over their execution. He criticised his players for fumbling possession, failing to tackle effectively and committing careless errors, which included completing just 9 out of 15 sets.
While Hasler acknowledged that referee decisions played a part — highlighting a missed scrum penalty and three knock-ons — he stressed that the blame for the defeat couldn’t rest solely on officiating. “We didn’t help ourselves,” he stated, underscoring the self-inflicted wounds that contributed to their fourth consecutive loss. With whispers surrounding his future as coach growing louder, there are concerns that the pressure may be affecting his team, despite Hasler’s insistence that he plans to honour his contract with the Titans.
Fox League cameras captured Hasler’s frustration as he confronted players in the showers post-game, a moment that Matty Johns interpreted as a poignant display of his exasperation. The Titans, who possess a talented roster, have come under scrutiny for their performance and face a daunting challenge next week as they prepare to take on the Warriors across the ditch.