“Pure speculation”: Hasler rejectscomment about his coaching future

DES Hasler has hit out at “unfounded” speculation he’s under pressure at the Titans after his side’s 26-14 loss to the Broncos.

Hasler reportedly has a clause in his contract that will allow Gold Coast management to remove him from his role once the team is mathematically eliminated from finals.

The Titans’ latest loss rules them out of finals contention, meaning Hasler may not see out the season – two games short of 500 games as a coach in a career that has stretched across the Sea Eagles, Bulldogs and Titans.

Hasler appeared frustrated by comments around his coaching future in his post-match press conference, saying the Titans are still building.

“I don’t take any notice of the reports because I know what we’ve got here and I know what’s sort of said so I find a lot of the speculation unfounded,” Hasler said.

“In saying that we’ve only been at it 18 months. I’m not trying to make excuses, I’m one of the most competitive people you’ll come across.

“It’s not something that I am enjoying, particularly when I know what’s in the four walls and the outcomes.

“I think if you’re going to be fair, and if you’re not looking in a biased way or you don’t have an agenda, there were some great signs there tonight.

“The results, we just haven’t got them, and the business we are in is a results-driven business… but what you saw tonight was the effort and the willingness to work hard.

“The future of the Titans I think is quite strong.”

Throughout Hasler’s tenure, many questions have been asked about his use of David Fifita, who on his day can be the most damaging player in the competition but has been on the sidelines or in reserve grade since Round 8.

In his return to first grade, Fifita only played 26 minutes and had limited impact in his time, making three runs and 11 tackles, only returning for a two-minute second stint due to a HIA to Sam Verrills.

BY SEN/SAM KOSACK