Des Hasler

Jackson was one of Hasler’s biggest supporters and the text he received from the former coach after being named as James Graham’s successor as captain only added to the emotion of a special moment for the 27-year-old.

"He sent me a text after they announced the captaincy which is something I really appreciated,” Jackson said.

"I will always have a lot of time for Des. He gave me my first opportunity. I grew a lot as a player and as a person under him. He’s someone that I respect a lot.

Lawyers acting for Hasler filed a statement of claim in the NSW Supreme Court this week.

Hasler was sacked in September just five months after the Bulldogs announced he had signed a two-year extension to his contract.

In response, club chairman Ray Dib said the club was preparing a legal defence.

The most concerning aspect of the 30-14 loss for Bulldogs fans would have been the lack of direction at the end of sets, despite having cool-headed halfback Matt Frawley calling the shots in the absence of injured five-eighth Josh Reynolds.

The win was also important because it came heading into a weekend with no NRL, allowing the players to rest up any niggles with the benefit of coming off a win – while the Raiders will be left to stew on their below-par efforts for a fortnight before they get the chance to make amends.

The Belmore outfit held a two-point lead before Brenko Lee was sent to the sin-bin in the 68th minute for a professional foul that would later allow the Wests Tigers to take control and storm home.