Des Hasler displayed visible frustration following yet another defeat for his team against the Canberra Raiders. The Gold Coast Titans appeared competitive at halftime, trailing narrowly at 18-12. However, a rapid succession of three tries by the Raiders within an 11-minute span after the break dashed the Titans’ hopes of a comeback.
Despite the close scoreline at halftime, Hasler expressed disappointment, stressing the team’s lack of execution despite their hard work in training. He pointed out that a significant portion of the Raiders’ scoring came from crucial moments, noting that six of their tries were scored on the last tackle, with five resulting from kicks. “It just kills you,” Hasler lamented, highlighting the difficulties faced when trying to recover from a rapidly widening score gap.
When questioned about whether the team’s struggle stemmed from attitude, Hasler clarified that the issue lies more in execution rather than mindset. He reinforced the importance of performing at a high standard in the NRL, stating that first-grade players must consistently deliver results on the field.
Reflecting on recent weeks, Hasler noted that the Titans had previously lost games in similar circumstances—holding leads at halftime only to succumb to substantial defeats in the second half, such as a 50-18 loss to the Cowboys and a 38-18 defeat against the Bulldogs.
The game saw the return of veteran half Kieran Foran, which necessitated strategic adjustments within the team; AJ Brimson shifted from five-eighth to fullback, while Jaylan De Groot found himself on the bench. Looking ahead, Hasler mentioned that while Keano Kini might re-enter the squad post-Origin series, his focus remains on immediate performances rather than the future lineup.
“We need to win some games first,” Hasler asserted, emphasising the urgency for his team to rectify their current form before contemplating any changes.