The National Rugby League premiers Manly have sacked coach Des Hasler and appointed Geoff Toovey to the role.
Citing alleged contract breaches the Manly chairman Scott Penn says the club's terminated Hasler contract for allegedly poaching support staff.
Hasler's now expected to join rivals Canterbury from next season, a year ahead of schedule.
The Manly board met Hasler's longtime assistant Toovey this morning and told him he was taking over immediately.
Hasler guided the Sea Eagles to the NRL title in 2007 and 2011 but announced last month he had signed a four-year deal to coach the Bulldogs from 2013 after his contract with Manly expired.
The board initially determined Hasler should see out his final year at the club but stood him down on Wednesday.
Several members of Hasler's backroom staff have announced they are off to the Bulldogs, including recruitment guru Noel Cleal and assistant coach Kelly Egan.
