Manly Sea Eagles sack NRL coach Des Hasler following board meeting, Anthony Seibold expected to take role for 2023

Des Hasler will depart as coach of the Manly Sea Eagles after 12 years on and off with the club.

The decision to sack Hasler, who was contracted until the end of 2023, was made during a board meeting on Thursday morning. 

Ex-South Sydney and Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold is now expected to take over as head coach from 2023.

It is understood Hesler’s manager, George Mimis, was informed of the Sea Eagle’s decision despite the coach’s willingness to see the last year of his contract out.

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According to Fox Sports, the veteran coach was willing to work alongside Seibold, but the board decided they were done with the “damaging media” and the club would reportedly pay Hasler out almost $1 million.

It comes after a turbulent period for the Manly Sea Eagles following the pride jersey fiasco in July.

Seven Manly players withdrew from a game against the Sydney Roosters over the club’s decision for the squad to wear a LGBTQ jersey to “celebrate inclusiveness” in rugby league.

Jason Saab, Josh Aloiai, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley argued wearing the rainbow-decorated kit would be against their religious and spiritual beliefs.

Hasler repeatedly apologised and pointed the finger to management for failing to consult players about the uniform.

However, the coach has been at war with Manly officials ever since. 

Hasler, who is now expected to take legal action, leaves Manly with the second most coached games in the club’s history and is a two time premiership winner.

Hasler coached Manly between 2004 and 2011 before departing for the Bulldogs for six seasons. He returned to the Sea Eagles in 2019.

He took Manly to the finals from 2005-2007, and delivered the club’s seventh premiership title in 2008 against the Melbourne Storm.

Hasler finished the 2022 season in 11th place after the Sea Eagles lost their last seven games.