Ex-Manly coach Hasler set for court showdown with club

A courtroom showdown has been scheduled between the Manly Sea Eagles and former coach Des Hasler over his messy exit from the club.

The premiership-winning rugby league coach is suing the club in the NSW Supreme Court over its decision to terminate his contract early.

A two-day hearing date was set by the court on Friday, commencing on November 11.

Hasler has refused to discuss the bitter court case at recent press conferences, making it clear that he would not answer questions about the lawsuit citing legal grounds.

The Sea Eagles offered Hasler a $565,000 settlement after the club sacked him, but he wants double that sum.

Issues between the coach and his then-club emerged after a high-profile controversy during the 2022 season, when seven players opted against wearing Manly's LGBTQI jersey on religious grounds.

Hasler criticised the club's handling of the saga, saying players should have been involved in discussions about the jersey.

The team lost seven straight games after the controversy, dashing what had been a promising season and the club's hopes of reaching the finals.

Hasler's position came under scrutiny despite the now-63-year-old having a year to run on his contract.

The early exit from the season meant he failed to satisfy a clause in his contract that would have triggered an automatic extension and he was let go by the club.

Hasler was appointed head coach of the Gold Coast Titans on a three-year deal ahead of the 2024 season.