Sydney Roosters veteran Craig Fitzgibbon says the club's disappointing NRL campaign is proving hard to deal with.
The former NSW Origin and Kangaroos representative is in his 10th and final season with the club. But after Saturday's 38-18 defeat to Manly, the Roosters are stuck at second-last on the NRLladder with just three wins.
And the 31-year-old says the club's situation has ruined his hopes of a big finish before heading off to join English Super League team Hull next year.
"That's why I'm so disappointed at the moment actually," Fitzgibbon said. "It's not finishing up how I'd like but I guess I've just got to go out there and give it my best the rest of the year."
Fitzgibbon did at least feel his team had shown signs of improvement against the Sea Eagles despite the defeat, especially after suffering embarrassing defeats to Newcastle and Penrith in their two previous outings.
"We definitely had an improved performance tonight ... I think you can see the effort and intensity was there so that's pleasing, something to grow on, but we're nearing the point where we're running out of time, aren't we?" he said.
Fitzgibbon and Roosters captain Braith Anasta are reported to have organised a clear-the-air meeting with the playing group earlier this week to turn around the club's performances.
And the 2002 Clive Churchill medallist said the arrival of rugby league great Arthur Beetson as an assistant to coach Brad Fittler had also reinvigorated the whole team.
"We've got two of the game's best looking after us now so we're on the right track that's for sure. We just need to keep improving, it's not beyond us but we're making it very hard."
