Des the Dragon? Why Smith would interview Hasler

As the Dragons get closer to confirming their next coach, Jimmy Smith believes the club’s powerbrokers should look to interview Des Hasler for the position.

It’s been a disastrous season for the Red V on the field, who are anchored to 17th place this season and have parted ways with former coach Shane Flanagan after Round 7.

But despite their struggles, there is plenty of optimism around the club for next season, having signed Scott Drinkwater, Connor Watson and Luke Metcalf despite having no coach appointed for the season creating plenty of interest in the role.

Currently, the race to become the next head coach has seemingly become a two-horse race between current interim Dean Young and South Sydney assistant and former Dragons premiership captain Ben Hornby.

Speaking on SEN’s Kick Off, Smith thinks the Dragons should interview Hasler for the position to at least see how Young and Hornby measure up to an experienced coach like the two-time premiership winner who has coached at the Sea Eagles, Bulldogs and Titans across 21 years.

Smith: “You know what, I would do that.

“I'd interview Des. You couldn't have it at a cafe down there cos someone would spot you, but what would be the harm in talking to Des Hasler?”

Greg Alexander: “No harm, no harm whatsoever but do you want him as the coach?”

Smith: “Probably not but just have a chat to him.

“Doesn't that give you then a better perspective, say, that's Des, and he's a two-time premiership-winning coach.

“And then you go, well, hang on now, what does Dean (Young) sound like and what does Ben (Hornby) sound like compared to Des?

“I think it'd be worthwhile.”

Smith also threw up the possibility of interviewing other candidates.

“What does Michael Cheika sound like?” he added.

“He's had a lot of success in that rugby code; why don't we have a chat to him, see what he sounds like.

“That feels like an obvious progression.”

The Dragons are off to New Zealand this week as they take on the Warriors this Saturday.

Kick off is at 5:35pm AEST.