Kite downplays Hasler's contribution
February 07, 2012 16:01:09 UK
Manly prop Brent Kite says he and his team-mates want to prove to former coach Des Hasler that the Sea Eagles' success of the last few years wasn't his invention entirely.
The Sea Eagles won their second premiership title of Hasler's reign by defeating New Zealand Warriors in last year's Grand Final, but soon after the win, Hasler triggered a major drama by deciding to sign a future deal with Canterbury Bulldogs.
After weeks of internal club wars, he was sacked by the Manly board.
The Sea Eagles are not the favourites for the 2012 NRL title even though they are the defending champions. This is down to the fact that Hasler is no longer in charge at Manly and experts believe that they would struggle under new coach Geoff Toovey.
But Kite believes that a major part of Manly recent success has been their playing squad and not their former coach Hasler. It is why he says that they can be as good as they have been in the past few years.
"The senior players and the playing group that have been here, we obviously want to show that we were a big part of the success that we've had in recent years and that might be a bit of extra motivation to do well," Kite said.
"If anything the changes are good and if there is added motivation because Tooves wants to go well and we obviously want to do well."
Manly are 6.00 to defend their NRL title in 2012, with Canterbury 51.00 and Wests Tigers 51.00.
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