Manly chairman and co-owner Scott Penn is delighted with Des Hasler's season, and wants to offer the Sea Eagles coach a long-term deal to remain at the club.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Penn says Hasler has found the "magic formula" at the Sea Eagles this season, with the club in fourth place with three rounds to play.
Hasler is currently contracted until the end of the 2021 season, but the two parties will dicuss an extension at the end of the year.
“Of course, of course. That’s how I felt eight years ago (when Hasler left for Canterbury). Nothing has changed," Penn told the Daily Telegraph when asked if he wants to extend Hasler's deal.
“I know what he’s capable of and how much respect he garners within the playing group. That’s important.
“One of the great things we have always known about Des is that he always gets the best out of people.
“He shows superstars how they can improve and he shows up-and-comers what is possible. That is always the magic formula and he is demonstrating it again, which is great.
“I think it (Hasler’s return) was good timing for both of us. He needed us and we needed him.
“It was certainly the right move and I think we always knew we had a fantastic squad with great potential. We just needed the right person to bring it out.”
Hasler hasn't even finished the first year of his three-year deal, meaning there's no need for a contract extension soon, although it's something both parties will be monitoring.
“The fact is we struck what we all thought was a fair contract at the time and we still think it’s right," Penn said.
“We are in the first year of a three-year contract so there’s no need to do anything at this point. It’s probably premature.
“As all coaches have, there are significant bonuses and the like in contracts for performance.
“Let’s see how we end the year and take it from there. There is no hurry on either side at this point. Let’s wait and see how the year pans out and we will take it from.”
The Sea Eagles were widely tipped to be a bottom four side in 2019, but have surprised the competition with their play all season long.