Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler has stood his ground in a fiery press conference exchange as a reporter accused him of giving a “cop out” answer and labelled the Titans’ crowd “embarrassing”.
The Titans went down 32-18 to the New Zealand Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday as the Warriors moved one step closer to securing a top four finish.
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The Titans were never really in the game and two late tries to Brian Kelly and Beau Fermor were only consolation tries that added some respectability to the scoreboard.
With the Titans fighting to avoid the wooden spoon, it’s widely expected Hasler won’t continue as coach beyond this season given there is a clause in his contract regarding making finals in 2025.
In the post match press conference, a reporter asked Hasler about the future of forward David Fifita, who has one year left on his deal with around $1 million per season.
Code Sports reported earlier this week that the Titans had given Fifita permission to explore his options, with Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett confident he can help turn the 25-year-old around.
Fifita has battled injuries throughout 2025 and has fallen out of favour with Hasler, who has left the second rower on the bench for a large part of some games.
In a feisty post-match press conference, which you can watch in the video above, a reporter asked Hasler: “Des, can you explain (to) us the situation with David Fifita and his future?
Hasler: “David is making his way back from ankle surgery. He will come back from that and go into rehab. He’s signed for next year. He’s signed for ‘26.”
Reporter: “Have you given him permission to seek interest from other clubs?”
Hasler: “He’s signed for ‘26.”
Reporter: “Have you given him permission to seek interest…”
Hasler: “He’s signed for ‘26.”
Reporter: “You haven’t answered the question Des.”
Hasler: “I’m not going to answer it.”
Reporter: “It’s an important issue at the club.”
Hasler: “No it’s not. I’m not going to answer it. We don’t discuss retention on this platform.”
Reporter: “It’s just a cop out.”
Hasler: “No it’s not.”
Reporter: “It is a cop out.”
Hasler: “No it’s not.”
The reporter then took things further, mentioning the strong crowd of 23,271 on the Gold Coast, which was predominantly filled with Warriors fans who could be heard cheering loudly throughout the game.
Reporter: “Have a look at the crowd out there tonight, they’re all Warriors fans. It’s embarrassing.”
Hasler: “He’s signed for ‘26.”
Another reporter chimed in: “South Sydney have said they’re keen to sign him (Fifita).”
Hasler replied: “We’re going to get him back on the field, do his rehab, he’s signed here for ‘26.”
Back in the Fox League studio, Braith Anasta said: “Things getting very heated in that press conference. He’s signed for ‘26, that’s for sure. The journo, he went hard.”
Kevin Walters said: “Bit over the top, really. You’re meant to talk about the game in those press conferences, not signings and who’s off contract.
“I get that they want information but I’m going to stick up for Des a bit. He stood his ground and I think rightly so.”
Cooper Cronk added: “I didn’t like the thing about embarrassing the crowd. The Warriors (fans) are there to support their team, there was no need for that.”
“I’ve got no idea what’s going on with David Fifita and the Titans.”
Fifita’s future isn’t the only dark cloud hanging over the Titans. Club captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, sitting next to Hasler in the press conference, has been tipped to join the Perth Bears as the expansion team’s marquee signing.
The Titans have been urged to focus on signing playmaker Jayden Campbell on an extended deal.
Originally published as Reporter snaps at Des Hasler in fiery, awkward press conference exchange