NRL: Sacked Hasler threatens legal action

Sacked Manly coach Des Hasler has threatened legal action against the NRL premiers. Photo / Getty Images

Sacked Manly coach Des Hasler has threatened legal action against the NRL premiers for unlawful dismissal, denying that he was involved in poaching staff.

The Sea Eagles on Friday replaced Hasler with his assistant Geoff Toovey, claiming he'd breached his contract by recruiting support staff for his future club Canterbury.

Hasler, who is signed to guide the Bulldogs from 2013, said Manly had failed to provide any proof to back their allegation despite three requests.

"I have not acted in any way improperly," Hasler said in a statement on Friday.

"It would have been a very simple exercise to tell me how it is that I am supposed to have acted improperly."

Several Manly backroom staff - including recruitment manager Noel Cleal and assistant coach Kelly Egan - have agreed to link up with the Bulldogs.

There has also been speculation Canterbury are eyeing off Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran, who has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave should Hasler no longer be the coach.

Hasler indicated he could take legal action against the club.

"The Manly Board have unlawfully terminated my contract and I will be seeking further legal advice regarding my remedies in relation to that unlawful conduct," Hasler said.

While it's likely Hasler will now take over the Bulldogs coaching role, supplanting Jim Dymock, Hasler claimed there had been no decision made yet and he would speak with Canterbury chief executive Todd Greenberg "over the next few days."

Manly chairman Scott Penn claimed the club had clear proof Hasler had acted inappropriately.

"Without going into absolute specifics, we believe that he had been actively involved in taking staff to the Bulldogs," said Penn.

"We believe we have very strong evidence that he has breached his contract."

Asked if he expected a legal challenge from Hasler, Penn said: "We hope not. That's up to Des."

- AAP