Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook sacked and replaced by Des Hasler ahead of 2024 NRL season
Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook is fired and replaced by Des Hasler – with former Sea Eagles and Bulldogs boss signed for 2024 and beyond
- Justin Holbrook fired as Titans coach
- Des Hasler takes over for 2024 and beyond
- Move will reunite Hasler with Kieran Foran
The Gold Coast Titans have fired head coach Justin Holbrook effective immediately – with Des Hasler as his shock replacement next season.
“We are grateful to Justin for his contribution to the club over the past four seasons,” Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said in a club statement on Thursday.
‘[But] we are here to bring success to the Gold Coast and to do so we feel this is the change needed to deliver on our promise of winning premierships.”
An interim coach has yet to be named, with Hasler in charge for 2024 and beyond.
He brings a wealth of experience to the Glitter Strip, having coached 458 NRL matches, reaching five Grand Finals and winning two premierships in 2008 and 2011 with the Sea Eagles.
The Gold Coast Titans have fired head coach Justin Holbrook and Des Hasler (pictured) is his replacement next season
Holbrook took over in 2020 but has paid the price for his team leaking too many points this year
Hasler himself was sacked by the Manly board last November following the pride jersey saga, with Anthony Siebold replacing him.
“I’m looking forward to joining the Titans and the 2024 season,” Hasler said.
‘The club has a strong player base, the region is blessed with emerging talent and the organization is firmly anchored in society.
“I am confident that we can bring success to the region in the coming seasons.”
The Titans had four players – Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika and AJ Brimson (18th man) – on the Queensland Origin squad for game two on Wednesday.
Hasler will be able to work closely next year with the likes of Kieran Foran, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, (pictured left) David Fifita and AJ Brimson
Some footy fans may find the decision to move Holbrook hard as the Titans currently sit ninth on the NRL ladder.
Holbrook’s winning record dates back to 2020 and was 37.8 percent, with 31 wins and 51 losses from 82 games.
This weekend, the Titans – who have bold plans to win two NRL premierships by 2030 – face the in-form Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Holbrook is the second NRL coach to be relieved of his duties this season, after the Dragons parted ways with Anthony Griffin last month.