Manly assure Bulldogs of Hasler safety

Chief executive Todd Greenberg says Canterbury have been assured by Manly that Des Hasler’s safety will not be under threat when he returns to Brookvale on Friday.

Hasler takes his high-flying Bulldogs NRL side back to his former club for the first time since his acrimonious departure last October just weeks after guiding the team to a second grand final win.

Manly supporters are still angry at their former coach for not only the manner of his departure, but also that he took many of his backroom staff with him to Belmore, including recruitment guru Noel Cleal, in addition to courting some of their star players.

They have promised him a red-hot reception, but Greenberg is confident it won’t cross the line when Hasler walks through the crowd that used to worship him on his way to the coaching box.

“I’ve spoken with David Perry at Manly this week and neither of us thinks we need (extra security),” Greenberg told AAP.

“I’ve also spoken with Des and we’re very comfortable with the plans in place and there are no issues to worry about, we think.”

Hasler will walk up to the box with a security guard, which is a NRL requirement for every coach at every game, and Greenberg said there are no plans to employ added protection.

“Des will travel on the team bus as he usually does and we don’t think we need to do anything above what we would normally do,” he said.

“A security guide will take him up and take him down as is the protocol for every game, home and away.”

Despite the anger expected to be aimed at his coach on the night, Greenberg said the atmosphere and build-up to the game is good for rugby league.

“We’re in the business of entertaining people and selling tickets and we are doing a lot of that this week,” he said.

“Manly will reap a full house tomorrow night and that is great for them financially and great for the game.”

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