Des Hasler has let Gold Coast forwards Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita know that they are a vital part of his long-term plans.
Fa'asuamaleaui's manager Simon Mammino told AAP incoming head coach Hasler met with the pair on the Gold Coast recently as news emerged that both had clauses in their contracts that enabled them to explore other options if former coach Justin Holbrook was dismissed.
Holbrook was sacked on June 22, the same day Hasler was announced on a three-year deal from next year and Holbrook's assistant Jim Lenihan installed as interim for the rest of 2023.
Fa'asuamaleaui and Fifita are now free agents but both...