Wednesday 20 September 2017 07:42, UK
Canterbury Bulldogs have sacked coach Des Hasler, just months after he signed a two-year contract extension.
The Australian National Rugby League outfit failed to make the finals in 2017 after finishing the regular season in 11th place with just 10 victories from 24 games.
It was the first time Hasler failed to guide the Bulldogs to the finals in his five-year spell at the club and, as a result, chairman Ray Dib announced his removal as coach.
"Today I informed Des Hasler and his management of our decision to pursue a new head coach for our club, effective immediately," Dib said.
"These types of conversations are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect personally and professionally. However, the club believes the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary."
Hasler, a former Australian international, led the Bulldogs to two grand finals and a semi-final during his time as coach at the ANZ Stadium.
