Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler are two prominent figures in rugby league coaching, boasting a combined coaching record of 1,457 games and nine premiership titles—Bennett with seven and Hasler with two. Remarkably, throughout their extensive careers spanning approximately 70 years, neither coach has ever finished a season with a wooden spoon. However, this record is at risk as both their teams, the Rabbitohs and Titans, currently occupy the bottom positions of the NRL ladder, each with just 16 competition points.
As the season progresses, a win for the Titans against the Rabbitohs this Sunday may be crucial for Hasler to maintain his remarkable record of avoiding the wooden spoon. The rugby league community is concerned, with respected figures like Mal Meninga noting that the achievements of both coaches overshadow the looming possibility of a wooden spoon. Meninga emphasises that despite the pressures, both Bennett and Hasler have had successful coaching careers and continue to contribute to the sport.
The Rabbitohs have faced a challenging season, suffering from significant injuries to key players, particularly detailed by Wally Lewis, who remarked on the tough position Bennett has found himself in this year. In contrast, the Titans have shown some revival recently, clinching a close victory over the Warriors and almost defeating the Panthers despite earlier struggles. This showcases their potential but hints at the instability of the coaching situation, especially for Hasler, who might be facing termination regardless of the remaining season’s outcomes.
Emerging reports suggest that the Gold Coast management may have already decided to sever ties with Hasler, although their recent performances could influence this decision. Many in the league community, including Darren Lockyer, believe that decision-makers at the Titans may be reluctant to alter their plans, having possibly concluded Hasler’s future before the team’s slight upswing in form.
As the season approaches its climax, all eyes are on the performance of both Bennett’s and Hasler’s teams, with the threat of a wooden spoon looming, a stark contrast to the illustrious careers both coaches have built. With the Titans needing a victory against the Rabbitohs to keep Hasler’s record intact, the upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal for their coaching legacies.