Ben Hunt has labelled St George Illawarra's biggest loss to Cronulla in 16 years as embarrassing, conceding it will put more of a spotlight on coach Anthony Griffin's future.
Days after learning Griffin had been told the club were canvassing their options for next year, the Dragons put in a horror show to be beaten 40-8 by the Sharks on Sunday evening.
In a woeful second half, the Dragons completed at 42 per cent and missed 25 tackles as they went from in the contest at 12-8 down to well and truly beaten.
The Dragons dropped the ball in their second set of the half, and never really regained the momentum of the match as Nicho Hynes put on a masterclass.
Hunt admitted afterwards he felt sorry for the off-contract Griffin following the loss, with a decision on his future likely to be made in coming months and speculation set to continue.
"It's very disappointing. It's not going to go away now," Hunt said.
"I thought that second half was very embarrassing.
"I don't think there would be a guy in our side who thought they played well in the second half. To dish that out in front of your home fans, it's not good enough."
The Dragons have conceded 40 points in two straight games, with the majority of the damage done in the second half.
Hunt is adamant the situation has not served as a distraction for the Dragons, who've missed the finals in both Griffins' years at the club.
The Saints' halfback has been one of Griffin's most vocal supporters, having come through the Brisbane system under him as a teenager.
He urged the club earlier this year not to rush into a decision on Griffin's future, asking the club to give the coach the full season to prove his credentials.
Asked for his reaction to the fact the club will make a decision sooner and was already considering their options, the Dragons captain said: "It's disappointing.
"We have to play some good footy. That's all it comes down.
"He's not the one out on the field. We're the ones missing tackles in the second half."
Hunt also indicated his disappointment that the situation had become public, after Griffin was told in the pre-season of his predicament.
The coach himself signalled his frustration over the leak in a press conference on Saturday, telling reporters questions over his future should be directed to the source of the story.
"Preferably, you would like everything to stay in-house, but it doesn't happen in rugby league," Hunt said on Sunday.
