The former Manly coach will be returning for a blockbuster NRL clash.

Des Hasler should be spared venom from vindictive Manly supporters in his return to Brookvale on Sunday, according to a superfan who knows a thing or two about hate. Stephen Lucas is the Sea Eagles tragic who ships his “Guess What – Manly Hates You Too” sign to NRL grounds all around the country.

He is used to copping it from rival fans and wears any abuse as a badge of honour. Lucas has called on Manly supporters to show Hasler respect when the premiership-winning coach and player returns to 4 Pines Park with the Titans for the first time since his acrimonious split in 2022.

Hasler’s ugly exit on the back of the rainbow jersey debacle has led to legal action, with the ex-Sea Eagles boss seeking more than $1m in compensation. The matter will go before the courts in November as the NRL world awaits to see what sort of reception Hasler will receive from the fans who once revered him.

In 2012, angry supporters paraded anti-Hasler banners and booed their old coach when he returned to Brookvale as Canterbury boss after walking out on Manly days after the club’s 2011 grand final win.

Manly superfan defends Des Hasler ahead of return

Lucas, who will travel from Brisbane to watch Sunday’s game, hopes emotions don’t rage out of control a second time. “I may be different to some, but if I run into Des I will say hello and shake his hand and wish him all the best and hope he wins heaps more games with the Titans – just not this one,” Lucas told Yahoo Sport Australia “Des was a champion Manly player and coach and orchestrated the best day of my life with 2008’s 40-0 shellacking of Melbourne.

“I have never had a “2nd Team” but find myself watching and cheering the Titans and hoping Des and Kieran Foran have some of the success they both deserve. “I think most Manly fans will give Des (and Kieran) a warm and friendly welcome back to Brookvale and are grateful to both men for everything they did for the Sea Eagles.

“I just wish I had enough money to get a copy of my banner made for Sunday with a small change so it read: GUESS WHAT? MANLY LOVES YOU TWO!!!”

CEO Tony Mestrov declined to comment when contacted about Hasler’s return while Manly coach Anthony Seibold praised his predecessor’s contribution to the club. The Titans arrive in town on the back of three straight wins.