Adrian Proszenko
April 29, 2012 Read later
TOMORROW looms as D-Day in the protracted saga over Des Hasler's defection to Canterbury, with Manly directors to decide whether to press ahead with legal action against their former coach for breach of contract.
The Sun-Herald has obtained Manly's explosive legal advice regarding Hasler's move from Brookvale to Belmore. An executive summary was prepared by solicitor Tim Unsworth which, along with other supporting documents, has been passed onto a Queen's counsel. In the confidential document, the QC states Manly would have a strong case against Hasler for breach of contract and against the Bulldogs for inducing the breach. Hasler and Todd Greenberg declined to comment on the matter when contacted by The Sun-Herald yesterday.
Such serious claims are potentially damaging to Greenberg in particular. The Bulldogs chief executive has been touted as a potential successor to ARLC boss David Gallop.
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In a further twist, The Sun-Herald can reveal Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn met Canterbury counterpart Ray Dib to discuss the matter on Wednesday. A source said Manly would be less inclined to begin legal proceedings if the Bulldogs withdrew their interest in off-contract star Kieran Foran. The Kiwi playmaker subsequently agreed to terms with the premiers. The saga officially ended last night when Manly announced a deal that will keep Foran at the club until the end of 2015.
However, some powerbrokers are keen to pursue Canterbury for damages regardless of the outcome on Foran. ''This isn't over; there is clear evidence they have acted unlawfully,'' an insider said.
Last week, The Sun-Herald revealed Manly were considering asking the ARLC to not register Foran's contract should he sign with the Bulldogs, believing Hasler's unlawful departure rendered the pivot's escape clause null and void.
Since news broke that Hasler had signed with Canterbury, Greenberg has publicly stated discussions only centred around the coach arriving for the 2013 season. However, a source said there was evidence Greenberg had raised the prospect of defecting immediately.
Last November, The Sun-Herald revealed Hasler attempted to walk out on Manly for the 2012 season as far back as August 22 - even though he was already under contract with the Sea Eagles for this season. Hasler was subsequently sacked and his phone and email records seized. The full findings from the internal investigations will be presented tomorrow night at the Manly board meeting.
The latest developments provide an explosive postscript to the Friday night's blockbuster. And while Foran will remain a Sea Eagle, it's unclear if Hasler will continue to target more Manly players. Australian forward Tony Williams is just one of several stars linked to Belmore.
Manly coach Geoff Toovey - who shared a beer with Hasler after the game - said the tug of war for Foran had not distracted his side ahead of the grudge match.
''Our players are very professional,'' Toovey said. ''We've seen that in the past, not just this year but in previous years as well. They're able to put those issues to the background and concentrate on football. I would expect nothing less than our players doing that in the future - forgetting about these things. The management will sort those things out and we need to get on with playing good football.''
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/edgy-eagles-to-make-call-on-hasler-action-20120428-1xrll.html#ixzz1tNO4AuQS
April 29, 2012 Read later
TOMORROW looms as D-Day in the protracted saga over Des Hasler's defection to Canterbury, with Manly directors to decide whether to press ahead with legal action against their former coach for breach of contract.
The Sun-Herald has obtained Manly's explosive legal advice regarding Hasler's move from Brookvale to Belmore. An executive summary was prepared by solicitor Tim Unsworth which, along with other supporting documents, has been passed onto a Queen's counsel. In the confidential document, the QC states Manly would have a strong case against Hasler for breach of contract and against the Bulldogs for inducing the breach. Hasler and Todd Greenberg declined to comment on the matter when contacted by The Sun-Herald yesterday.
Such serious claims are potentially damaging to Greenberg in particular. The Bulldogs chief executive has been touted as a potential successor to ARLC boss David Gallop.
Advertisement: Story continues below
In a further twist, The Sun-Herald can reveal Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn met Canterbury counterpart Ray Dib to discuss the matter on Wednesday. A source said Manly would be less inclined to begin legal proceedings if the Bulldogs withdrew their interest in off-contract star Kieran Foran. The Kiwi playmaker subsequently agreed to terms with the premiers. The saga officially ended last night when Manly announced a deal that will keep Foran at the club until the end of 2015.
However, some powerbrokers are keen to pursue Canterbury for damages regardless of the outcome on Foran. ''This isn't over; there is clear evidence they have acted unlawfully,'' an insider said.
Last week, The Sun-Herald revealed Manly were considering asking the ARLC to not register Foran's contract should he sign with the Bulldogs, believing Hasler's unlawful departure rendered the pivot's escape clause null and void.
Since news broke that Hasler had signed with Canterbury, Greenberg has publicly stated discussions only centred around the coach arriving for the 2013 season. However, a source said there was evidence Greenberg had raised the prospect of defecting immediately.
Last November, The Sun-Herald revealed Hasler attempted to walk out on Manly for the 2012 season as far back as August 22 - even though he was already under contract with the Sea Eagles for this season. Hasler was subsequently sacked and his phone and email records seized. The full findings from the internal investigations will be presented tomorrow night at the Manly board meeting.
The latest developments provide an explosive postscript to the Friday night's blockbuster. And while Foran will remain a Sea Eagle, it's unclear if Hasler will continue to target more Manly players. Australian forward Tony Williams is just one of several stars linked to Belmore.
Manly coach Geoff Toovey - who shared a beer with Hasler after the game - said the tug of war for Foran had not distracted his side ahead of the grudge match.
''Our players are very professional,'' Toovey said. ''We've seen that in the past, not just this year but in previous years as well. They're able to put those issues to the background and concentrate on football. I would expect nothing less than our players doing that in the future - forgetting about these things. The management will sort those things out and we need to get on with playing good football.''
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/edgy-eagles-to-make-call-on-hasler-action-20120428-1xrll.html#ixzz1tNO4AuQS