Des Hasler launches legal proceedings against former club Manly

Rugby league coach Des Hasler has launched legal proceedings against his former club Manly, a year after he was sacked.

The NRL premiership-winning coach is reportedly seeking compensation from the Sea Eagles after his contract was terminated last October.

Issues between Hasler and the club were sparked at the end of the 2022 NRL season when seven players opted against wearing Manly's LGBTQI jersey in round 20 on religious grounds.

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At the time, Hasler criticised the club's handling of the saga, saying players were not involved in discussions about the jersey and should have been consulted.

The Sea Eagles were on the cusp of making the finals but lost seven straight games after the controversy and the club later sacked the coach.

Hasler had a year to run on his contract but his position came under scrutiny when Manly missed the finals, meaning the coach failed to satisfy a clause in his contract that would have triggered an automatic extension for 2024.

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The matter is listed for directions in the NSW Supreme Court on October 20, when Hasler will be represented by Daniel McGirr, a partner at Sydney firm McGirr lawyers.

The Sea Eagles declined to comment when contacted by AAP.

Hasler has been appointed head coach of the Gold Coast Titans on a three-year deal starting in 2024.