Bulldog's fans have taken to social media to, in the majority, celebrate the club's decision to remove Des Hasler from his position as head coach.
What has been largely expected for many months now has finally eventuated, leaving the Premiership winning mentor without a club, and one of the biggest clubs in the competition without a coach.
After a successful run in charge of the Belmore club, including a near perfect finals appearance record, and one hell of a run that landed the Bulldogs a Grand Final spot, ultimately the season of hell cost him his job.
The problems were there for all to see, with the Dogs attack more likely to cause bleeding from the eyes than any real defensive headaches, but given Hasler was given a contract extension just months ago, the situation is somewhat of a shock.
Reports have already emerged that Dean Pay will be appointed sooner rather than later, an appointment that seems to be supported by all involved.
As with every coaching role that comes up, Michael McGuire will also be linked, but the Dogs look ready to head in a brand new direction, something the club is really crying out for.
Just as an aside, I believe the Dogs problems stretch far deeper than just Hasler, but that's another matter for another day, but where to for Des Hasler now?
Where does Des Hasler end up next? @zerotackle
— Marcos Mania (@suthodan) September 19, 2017
At current, there are two high-profile coaching jobs available, the Titans hot seat and the New South Wales Origin position.
When the Titans made a choice to move Neil Henry on, the coaching stocks looked thin. All of a sudden they have two premiership winning coaches at their doorstep in McGuire and Hasler.
Rumour has it that the Walker brothers have interviewed for the Titans role. If there is any natural justice in the world, they will be appointed and we will all be privy to some brilliant entertainment, but I can't see it happening.
For mine, it is a straight shootout between the two former super coaches.
England is another option, with nearly any side over in the Old Dart likely to roll out a jewel-encrusted welcome mat for the former Dogs coach.
New South Wales presents an interesting option for Hasler, with the three-game format likely to suit the man many accuse of leaving his game plan in the past.
Origin game plans are simple. Bash the forwards early, create space for the halves and have your far superior wingers run all over the Blues out of position back line. Well, that's the Maroons blueprint anyways.
Hasler has motivated teams in the past to great success. Don't let one below par season fool you.
But for mine, the Blues are headed in the Brad Fitler direction. A long-term, Origin legend with huge wraps from anyone he interacted with in camp with City Origin.
Hasler, on the other hand, looks set for the holiday street, and a potential showdown with Jarryd Hayne. That is the exact reason I would go with Hasler.
He has never been one to shy away from tough decisions, some backfired, but you can never accuse him of shying away.
Make no mistake, the next Titans coach will have to deal with plenty of clashes, and the Hayne issue will be front and centre.
The Titans need someone with plenty of experience, respect and authority. Des ticks all the boxes.
Once again, don't let 2017 cloud all the achievements Hasler has wracked up over the years. He took a Manly side with young halves to the title. He took a Dogs side lacking the star power of other sides to the Grand Final.
Only a red-hot, fairy tale inspired South Sydney side derailed Des's dogs that day. Not to mention the 2012 Grand Final, that Hasler also masterminded.
Sure, the Dogs have come up short in both games, but Hasler reinvented the Dogs to become genuine title challengers.
The Titans are not an overnight fix, so if the Gold Coast club is to invest in Hasler or any coach for that matter, they need to really invest. Three to four-year deal, full support, FULL SUPPORT.
Hasler is right up the Titans alley, and if the NSW job is off the table, I can certainly see him headed north.
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