Detail in Des' new contract dangles 2023 and Fulton record

Performance incentives in Des Hasler's new Sea Eagles deal require a finals appearance for him to coach on into 2023 and surpass Immortal Bob Fulton as Manly's longest-serving coach.

The much-discussed extension was confirmed by the Sea Eagles on Thursday evening, with the club's announcement declaring Hasler will "remain head coach for at least two seasons."

Hasler will coach the club in 2021 and 2022, taking him to the 300-game mark in charge of Manly either side of his six-year stint at Canterbury.

However, NRL.com understands a 2023 season extension must be triggered by a finals appearance in 2021 or 2022.

It's believed a potential 2024 campaign is also included in the fine print of Hasler's new deal if further performance clauses are met.

Speaking on Friday, Hasler said he hadn't expected negotiations to drag on for almost a year around his future, but had no issue with the incentives that protect Manly from a costly pay-out if performances nose dive. 

"When you've been sort of in the game this long, I thought it'd be a lot more simple than that," he said.

"But that's the nature of the beast, isn't it?

"Performance clauses [usually] refers to things like top four or top eight. That's what I sort of read it as that.

"But it certainly wasn't about any of that issue, it's just, it was just what it is and it's now been done."

Post-head coaching roles with Manly were also discussed throughout negotiations that lasted the best part of a year.

The veteran coach turned 60 last month, but no official agreements around a coaching consultancy or general manager type role are understood to have been included in the contract.

Hasler politely declined to discuss his long-term future and whether this is his last coaching contract on Friday.

The former playmaker has presided over 254 games at Manly and by the end of next year, will sit right behind Fulton's club record of 307 games as Sea Eagles coach.

Fulton and Hasler combined throughout the latter's playing career to deliver 1987 and 1996 premierships.

"I am very glad to have the opportunity to continue working with this high calibre group of players we have now and those who will emerge in the near future through our pathways program," Hasler said in Manly's statement.

"I am confident of delivering further success to the Manly club. There is a great future ahead for the Sea Eagles."

Hasler's future has been under the microscope this week following a record round one loss to the Roosters and the protracted nature of the contract talks.

But while there has been a healthy amount of back and forth between Manly hierarchy and Hasler's management, the deal has never been in doubt.

Hasler returned to his old Northern Beaches stomping ground in 2019 to replace Trent Barrett, guiding the Sea Eagles to a surprise finals appearance despite injuries wreaking havoc.

Last year saw a slide to 13th on the ladder, prompting a more circumspect approach throughout Hasler's contract negotiations.

Manly take on South Sydney in their first home game at Lottoland this Saturday.