Des Hasler has surfaced as a contender for the Penrith coaching job, according to The Daily Telegraph’s sports editor Phil Rothfield.

The Hasler development comes amid speculation there is tension between current coach Anthony Griffin and Penrith’s Executive General Manager Phil Gould.

Sporting News Australia's The Lurker this week revealed that cracks have started to appear in the relationship between the pair, with the way Griffin interacts with players and assistant coaches at the centre of the dispute.

“The relationship between Panthers supremo Phil Gould and coach Anthony Griffin has reached breaking point,” The NRL Lurker wrote.

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“The coach’s abrupt manner has upset players and assistant coaches alike.

“Players have also told me that Gould himself does most of the Panthers’ game plans and work schedule for the week and hands it to Griffin.”

Speaking on Fox League programme Controversy Corner on Sunday night, Rothfield also said there is a strain on the Gould-Griffin relationship.

“I’m thinking there’s something doing there,” Rothfield said.

“I’ve spoken to a few people on the edges there and I’m told there is drama.”

Rothfield was asked by fellow panel member Steve Roach who would replace Griffin, if he is in fact moved on.

“Desmond Hasler,” was Rothfield’s reply.

It’s an answer that would stun Bulldogs supporters, who are now feeling the pain of Hasler’s poor salary cap management.

Canterbury are languishing near the bottom of the table, and likely to stay there for the next few seasons as a result of a series of back-ended contracts which were signed off on under Hasler’s watch.

As a result of the dramas at the Bulldogs, Rothfield believes Gould would keep Hasler, who began his playing career with the Panthers in 1982, away from salary cap management.

“I wouldn’t let Des anywhere near the salary cap, I’m sure Gus would want to look after it himself,” Rothfield added.

“But Des Hasler’s originally from Penrith.”

Rothfield stressed that he doesn’t believe Griffin is in danger of losing his job.

“I’m not saying Griffin’s going to get sacked, I’m saying he’s not on the same page as Gus at the moment and they’ve had disagreements,” he said.