Manly Sea Eagles legend and SEN League commentator Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll has opened up on his shock after the sudden sacking of Des Hasler.
The news came as a shock to many, as Hasler reportedly had agreed to coach Manly under strict conditions for 2023.
A former teammate of Hasler, Carroll noted his disappointment in the club’s treatment of a fellow Manly legend.
“It’s unbelievable, it all comes down to the pride jersey, they said it won’t derail us, of course it derailed them, they went down the back door (after it),” Carroll said on SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“Dessy got up and spoke in front of the media, that wasn’t his position to do, why wasn’t the CEO or the boss of Manly doing that, why did Dessy have to put his neck on the line, he spoke fantastically, it was probably the best one he’s ever done.
“I can’t believe he’s actually had to fall on his sword, he bleeds maroon and white, Dessy has done everything for that club, what they have in the future, I have no idea.”
Hasler played 256 games for Manly as a player and coached the club to two NRL premierships during his 306-game spell.
“You don’t make a jersey overnight, why didn’t Dessy know about this information? Someone else made a decision and it’s cost him his job,” Carroll said.
“Knowing Des the way he is he’ll brush (himself) off and he’ll find another gig, he’s a really good coach and his numbers speak for what he has achieved.
“The players are going to be hurting they all love him, he’s a funny little bloke, the mad scientist, but players want to run through brick walls for him, that’s Des Hasler.”