Des Hasler

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Des Hasler (born 16 February 1961 in Gosford, New South Wales) is an Australian former rugby league player during the 1980s and early 1990s, and is head coach of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Hasler played 287 first grade games, scoring 83 tries and one goal.

[edit] Background

Des Hasler trained as a primary school teacher at the Australian Catholic University and taught Year 6 students and Electronics at St Pius X College, Chatswood.

[edit] Playing career

Des Hasler began his first grade career with the Penrith Panthers in 1984, but quicky transferred to the Manly Sea Eagles where he played a total of 234 games and scored 72 tries, finishing his first grade career with a season at Western Suburbs Magpies. Hasler also played 13 State of Origin matches for New South Wales, scoring 2 tries during these games.

Hasler also established himself as a star utility player, playing for Australia in twelve test matches. At the end of the 1993 season Hasler decided to play for Hull FC in the Super League. He later returned to the Sea Eagles for the 1995 and 1996 seasons. In both of these years, the Manly Sea Eagles made the grand final, and in 1996 won the premiership.

Hasler is also a premiership hero from the 1987 Rugby League Grand Final.

[edit] Coaching

In 2004, Des Hasler was appointed head coach of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. In the 2005 2006 and 2007 seasons he lead the team to the semi-finals for the first time since the late 1990s. Hasler gained the experience of Geoff Toovey as assistant coach in the 2007 season. The team was a contender in the 2007 National Rugby League championship, and finished second on the NRL ladder, behind Melbourne Storm.