Titans Coach Des Hasler Unleashes Frustration Over ‘Unjustified’ High Shot Crackdown

Titans coach Des Hasler has voiced his concerns regarding the NRL’s enforcement of rules against high tackles, wary that this could adversely affect the essence of the game.

In an encounter that resulted in two players being sent off and another fortunate to evade a stint in the sin bin, the Dolphins triumphed over the Titans, breaking their winless streak this season.

Hasler’s squad was left in disarray after Tino Fa’asuamaleaui received a red card for a high tackle just two minutes into the match.

The on-field referee had not flagged the incident; instead, it was the Bunker that intervened.

While Hasler did not attribute the loss directly to this incident, he expressed worries about the implications of such decisions on the integrity of the sport.

“Fans pay good money to attend matches,” Hasler remarked.

“Yet, I don’t believe they’re receiving a fair experience.

“When it comes to high tackles, I feel this disrupts the integrity of the game.

“While I won’t use it as an excuse for the loss, it is uncalled for. This is not the first time we’ve raised this issue; it’s a brutal game at times.

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“What is the intent behind these decisions? It’s just another element that spoils the game. It’s not as severe as what transpired during Magic Round two years ago, but it remains disappointing.

“This is an area that needs reconsideration regarding intentions.

“In six weeks, with the commencement of another competition such as State of Origin, we will likely see more players in the sin bin.”

Ray Stone was also sent to the sin bin during the Titans match, penalised for making head contact with Isaiya Katoa while attempting to prevent a try.

The high contact was flagged by the Bunker during a video review, resulting in Stone being sidelined for the remainder of the match.

Hasler struggled to comprehend how such a “brilliant play” could be penalised for a tackle devoid of any “malicious” intent.

“That was a tremendous rugby league play,” he said in response to Stone’s tackle.

“To sprint from the opposite side of the field and pull off a try-saving tackle is impressive.

“Yet the referee points out that he tapped the player on the head.

“In my view, there was nothing malicious about it. It’s hard to fathom. There’s pressure from somewhere, but our responses are often too knee-jerk.

“It’s a situation where they will insist the players need to lower their target areas. It’s not as simple as just lowering your target.”

As his players awaited news on their potential fate regarding the incidents, Hasler expressed that he did not anticipate facing a fine himself for raising his concerns over the rule enforcement.

“I haven’t targeted anyone,” the Titans coach said.

“And I haven’t criticised the referees, so I don’t foresee a fine of $25,000 coming my way.”