Former Brisbane and Penrith coach Anthony Griffin – a name tossed about as a possible replacement for Nathan Brown – has given it to the underperforming Newcastle Knights after their diabolical performance against Wests Tigers.

Speaking to Macquarie Sports Radio, Griffin didn’t mince his words.

“They had everything to play for and there is obviously some deeper issues within that club than just the coach.

“It was a knockout final on Saturday basically, they had to win to stay in the race for the semi-finals and if they lose they were knocked out.

“I thought it was one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen from a club in that position. It was totally disrespectful to their fans and to their members and ultimately to Nathan Brown as well.

“I don’t know what’s going up there, I saw the news just like everyone else and I expected the Newcastle players to come out and have a red hot crack and try and make the playoffs, and they did exactly the opposite.

“It looked like they didn’t care and I heard comments from Andrew Johns who said it looked like they didn’t try, and I have to agree with him.”