Manly, Manly, Manly. You have really done a number on yourself. The only team in the NRL who can win a premiership and have it overshadowed by off field dramas. 2009 they get on the drink at the season launch, Anthony Watmough punches a sponsor in the face and Brett Stewart (the new face of the game) become entangled in sexual assault charges.
2011 they win a premiership and not even 48 hours later the empire begins to unravel. Des Hasler is revealed as the new Canterbury coach of 2013 and William Hopoate signs with long time rivals Parramatta to a deal commencing at the end of his mormon missionary.
Hopoate was a huge loss as it ended a 20 year association between Manly-Warringah and the Hopoate family. The Sea Eagles at one stage even paid 100k to Will to keep him at their club and not to lose out to rivals.
The major blow came when it was revealed that several Manly stars had 'get out' clauses in their contracts should Hasler leave. Canterbury also made it clear they wanted to gain the services of recruitment guru Noel Cleal and video analyst expert Will Badel. The Eagles were going to be ripped apart and now they have.
Des Hasler was stood down last night after a ridiculous 7 hour board meeting. Hasler was thought to be in serious breach on contract by trying to take other players to the Bulldogs.
Fare enough Hasler can get more money at Canterbury and secure his financial future but to potentially tear apart a club that has given him an enormous amount is ludacris.
Hasler won premierships as a player in 1987 and 1996. Manly paid him good money to make the move from Penrith to the Northern Beaches and gave him a chance to become the clubs coach in 2003. After 2 years of failing to make the 8 he would have been sacked by other clubs. Yes Manly stuck their neck out for him and he repaid them in the best possible way but if he is indeed trying to lure some of his top stars out of the Sea Eagles camp then I'm a bad judge of character.
As someone who supports whoever Manly is playing its good to see that they might not be a force next. On the other hand its a shame he couldn't be kept and he feels as though he had to go down in a blaze of glory.
Damage Out.
