Michael Maguire's future at the Wests Tigers has become more uncertain after an embarrassing 38-0 loss to NRL wooden spooners Canterbury.
Already missing the finals for the 10th season in a row, the Tigers fell to a new low against the Bulldogs who were superior in every aspect for just their third win of the season.
It was terrible timing for the under-fire Tigers coach.
Reports emerged in recent days that Maguire's future is up for discussion by club bosses who will conduct a season review of the football department this month.
And in light of Sunday's loss, it's not expected to be pretty.
Although defence has been an issue all season, the Tigers crumbled against the Bulldogs who have hardly been known for their prolific attack in 2021, scoring an average of just 13 points a game this year.
It was also the first time this season that the Tigers have been held to nil which will be a major concern heading into a review of the football department.
The Tigers complete the season in lowly 13th, their worst finish in Maguire's three years in charge.
It's also the worst finish across his NRL coaching career.
Injuries to Tommy Talau (suspected ACL) and Jake Liddle (shoulder) further soured the result.
By contrast, the Bulldogs were left smiling after snapping a 10-game losing streak.
It was a bright finish to a miserable season with Melbourne-bound Nick Meaney and halfback Jake Averillo both scoring doubles in the resounding win at Redcliffe.
The pair also clocked up 11 tackle-breaks and four line breaks between them to rip through the soft defence, going from a 16-0 lead at halftime to a seven-try victory.
Jack Hetherington, Jayden Okunbor and Corey Allan also got on the board for the club's first win since June 14 against St George Illawarra - 83 days ago.
The spirited win will also ease pressure on coach Trent Barrett who has had a sorry first season at the club, but it promises to be better in 2022 with Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Paul Vaughan and Matt Dufty already signed on.
