Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs head coach Des Hasler has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Belmore until the end of the 2017 season.
Hasler departed Manly for the blue-and-whites shortly after the northern beaches club's grand final triumph in 2011, his second premiership with the club. He took the Bulldogs to a grand final appearance in his first season in 2013, and backed that up with a fifth-place finish last year despite being without many topline stars for large chunks of the season.
His original three-year deal was due to expire after the 2015 season, but the club said it had made retaining him a priority.
"I've enjoyed my time here at Belmore so far and want to continue working with this staff and group of men, who are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome," Hasler said in a Bulldogs statement.
"The Board has allowed me to run a football program that I believe will get the best results for both the Club and the athletes.
"I have great confidence in the leadership of the Club and I look forward to continuing the Bulldogs' commitment to success."
Chairman Ray Dib also welcomed the extension.
"It was a seamless process and it was important that we continue the momentum that has been developed with Des and the football program over the last two years," Dib said.
Bulldogs chief executive Raelene Castle said the extension gives certainty to the playing group and would bring benefits in terms of future player recruitment.
"Des has brought a level of professionalism and innovation to this Bulldogs that could rival any of the top sporting organisations in the world," Castle said.
"Des and I have built a relationship built on trust and respect and we'll continue to work together to achieve the best we can for this Club.
'We're pleased to have been able to get this completed before the start of the 2014 season."
