Tensions are high at Belmore following Canterbury’s sub-par 1-3 start to the season including Saturday’s 36-0 thrashing to Manly.

Hasler remains unsigned beyond this year with contract talks stalling in the wake of recent poor performances.

The former Manly coach was lucky to survive the sack at the end of last season after his side was bundled out of week one of the finals.

Club legend and former board member Steve Mortimer, who won four flags with the Bulldogs, threatened to and subsequently quit after Hasler was permitted to see out the final year of his contract.

Hughes, who also carved out a successful career in broadcasting, said the time had come for either Hasler or the club had to make the call to cut ties.

“I don’t think it can go forward," Hughes told Fox Sports. “I think now that it is untenable. He took away all the staff that they trusted, put him in a position whereby his control is now tested by the board – somebody has to make a call.”

“Does Des walk away and say ‘it’s not working, I’m out of here’. Well, maybe that’s a bit tough for his image and his ego at the moment as a coach. It’s up to the players to play above all that, but that’s difficult in itself because all of those stories drift into the dressing room. Somebody has to show some leadership here. If Des isn’t going to walk away from his contract, then the board must act.”

Hasler has led Canterbury to the finals every year of his five-year tenure and two losing grand finals.

He won two premierships as Manly coach and two as a player.