After a record 250 games in charge, including three grand finals and two premiership triumphs, it’s no surprise Des Hasler is refusing to give up on Manly’s NRL play-off hopes.
Despite the mathematics being well against the Sea Eagles, Hasler still believes in miracles.
“Go Warriors,” the veteran mentor said after Manly climbed to tenth spot on the ladder with a 32-20 comeback win over Canterbury on Friday night.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Victory over the Bulldogs, who he coached to another two grand final appearances, not only all but consigned his old club to the 2020 wooden spoon but also kept alive the Sea Eagles’ slimmest of finals hopes.
Four points adrift of eighth-placed Cronulla in tenth spot, Manly would have to thump both Gold Coast and the Warriors in their last two regular-season games and hope the Sharks suffer heavy defeats in their remaining three matches to scrape in.
But with the Sharks facing the Warriors on Sunday night, then last year’s grand finalists Canberra and the Sydney Roosters, it’s not inconceivable.
Boosting the Sea Eagles’ chances is the likely long-awaited return of superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic from a hamstring injury for next Saturday’s hosting of the Titans at Lottoland.
The former NSW Origin and Test number one hasn’t played since June.
Dylan Walker (foot) and Reuben Garrick (shoulder) could also return, but it’s the potential presence of Trbojevic that most excites Hasler.
“He’s jumped through hoops, He’s just got to tick some squares now,” Hasler said.
“At the end of the day, they’re footballers and they want to play football so it’s not out of the equation.
“So go the Warriors.”
Where there’s life, there’s hope for not only Manly but also the Warriors and the Wests Tigers.
A Warriors loss to the Sharks on Sunday, though, would put paid to all their chances and guarantee Cronulla settle the 2020 top eight.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
:laughing:
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Des would say that, but to do what in the top 8, get floogged by the likes of the Roosters or the Storm? Manly would struggle to beat the Knights and look what the Roosters did to them last night. Des let me tell you this, the Dogs were B- awful yesterday, on two occasions they had the left flank winger standing there unmarked playing pocket billards so they ignored him and tried to take Manly on up the middle.If a heads up player like Foran had been playing you get beat by at least 12 points.Whatsmore, if you as an experienced coach could not see that then you are delusional mate. Love you Des but please some relality. The Roosters would have put 50 on you.
mushi
Roar Guru
My mum also says I can play for Australia if I set my mind to it
Paul
Roar Guru
Manly's won one in a row and now Des is talking their chances of making the finals? :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Big Daddy
Guest
There must be a shortage of stories at AAP as some other stories being written by their journos are ludicrous. The other one " Penrith cement top 2 spot". Tell us something we don't know.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
.....and I have a chance of winning Lotto on Monday night.... :laughing:
Tom
Guest
:laughing: Needed a laugh. Des is absolutely cooked.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
It's a real pity we didn't win a few more matches which we had in the bag because last season showed we are capable of firing up in the finals but the carnival is almost certainly over and the focus now is on getting some experience for some young talent.
Landcruiser79
Guest
Tell him he’s dreamin !
andrew
Roar Rookie
In your dreams Des. Manly have no hope. Even if they got in they'd just be making up the numbers. Talk about being delusional.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
a nice little bonus in his contract if they make the 8
Tony
Roar Guru
And what actually would be the point?
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Sorry Des it isn’t going to happen. It’s best to be thinking about next year and how to avoid some of the inexcusable losses like last weeks ridiculous effort against an ordinary Tigers. Maybe even give some thought to John Cartwright’s role.. he is supposedly in charge of defence. Try asking him where it is