NRL: 'Embarrassed' Stuart jumps out of Sharks job

Ricky Stuart. Photo / Supplied

SYDNEY - Ricky Stuart has quit his post as Cronulla Sharks NRL coach, seven weeks before he had planned to leave at the end of the season.

Stuart's exit leaves the struggling Sharks in the hands of Shane Flanagan, who had been likely to take over the head coaching reins for next year.

"I just feel I can't get that extra bit out of them at the moment," Stuart said yesterday. "Talking to the players at halftime and after the game, I could probably sense with them that this was the only decision.

"It's in the best interests of the players, as well as me, to move on and allow Flanno [Flanagan] to move in.

"I wish the club every success going forward. They are a lot better team than what they have displayed in the last two weeks and Shane now has the opportunity to gain a bit of pride over the next seven games."

Saturday night's heavy loss to Manly was the final straw for Stuart, who has not been able to lift the Sharks to any great heights during his tenure.

"I've bashed myself up over most losses, but I was embarrassed on Saturday night," Stuart said.

"I wasn't feeling well after the game - it was a really, really poor effort."

Stuart handed his resignation to Sharks' chairman Damian Irvine late on Monday afternoon.

- AAP