Hasler responsible for Manly's soaring success
September 22nd 2008 09:43
The Manly Sea Eagles were nothing in the early part of the new Millennium. They were regularly getting thrashed by opposition teams and a top eight birth seemed a lifetime away. That was until two Rugby League icons entered their fold - former Knight Ben Kennedy and coach Des Hasler.
When those two entered the fray, The Sea Eagles have flown high and are now one of the most dynamic teams in the NRL.
Although Kennedy's passion on the field gave Manly an attitude to die for, Hasler also played a massive part in this development of their game.
Indeed Hasler has been involved with Manly all his life.
He played 234 games for the club, scoring 72 tries and winning two Premierships in 1987 and 1996.
No doubt his grunt and determination while playing on the surfaces of Brookvale Oval all those years has transpired to his success as head coach of the Sea Eagles.
When Hasler took over the role in 2004 replacing Peter Sharp, he needed to pick up the pieces of a club in turmoil.
The first move of course was to attract players of the highest order down to Brookvale.
Indeed Hasler brought in Newcastle second rower Ben Kennedy - a man that had played 13 Origins for NSW and 12 Tests for Australia.
When the Sea Eagles lacked a true leader, Hasler gave them one in Kennedy and from there, everything changed.
The Sea Eagles returned to the finals in 2005 albeit in eighth position. They got knocked out by minor premiers the Parramatta Eels.
In 2006, the growing continued.
Hasler gained the signatures of former Storm halfback Matt Orford and Dragons front rower Brent Kite. The Eagles finished the season in fifth position, eventually losing to the Dragons in the second week of the finals.
Despite not winning a finals game when they entered the playoffs, the Sea Eagles under Hasler were building well and the winning mentality was swiftly returning.
Eventually it returned in full force in 2007, when Hasler guided his side to the Grand Final against none other than the Melbourne Storm.
Even though Manly lost the decider in convincing fashion, many say losing one helps a team garner a Premiership the following season.
And so this philosophy seems to be working now for the Sea Eagles as they approach a preliminary final against surprise packets the New Zealand Warriors at the SFS this Saturday.
It seems Manly now are better equipped than ever before to finally land on top in League's centenary year.
Players such as Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, David Williams, Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough have found a lease of form and life under the guidance of Hasler.
No doubt Hasler has toiled hard for this opportunity. Its one four years in the making and it is a chance that neither he or the Sea Eagles will want to squander.
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