Cartwright announced on Monday he was stepping down after eight seasons at the helm of the Titans in a move which Bird says caught the playing group off guard.
The NSW State of Origin back-rower says results in 2014 haven’t been good enough, but no-one believes Cartwright’s coaching is the reason behind the club’s struggles.
“We’ve been below-par and definitely under our best,” Bird said.
“It reflects on us as well as players. The coaching staff only do so much. They don’t run out on the field and put in the performances.”
Cartwright will lead the club for the last time in Monday’s clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Bird says the game won’t be billed up as a “Do it for Carty” match, instead it’ll be a chance for the players to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
“We’ve just got to bite the bullet and move on,” he said.
Both Bird and fellow co-captain Nate Myles paid tribute to Cartwright and departing board member Michael Searle after the pair helped rebuild both players’ NRL careers.
Bird said he probably wouldn’t be playing in the NRL without Cartwright following his axing by Cronulla while Myles says the departing coach has re-ignited his love of rugby league.
“The last three years I’ve probably enjoyed my football the most and that’s bouncing off the back of what Carty and Searley have provided for myself and a couple other of these guys,” Myles said.
“I’m forever indebted to them … disappointed that it can’t go any further in the club together.”
Both players claimed the appointment of the next coach is a board decision but Neil Henry, who will step in as caretaker until the end of the season remains the favourite.
Myles said Henry had added plenty since joining the Titans last year as an assistant coach.
“Neil’s been fantastic since his arrival,” Myles said.
“He’s definitely created a bit of accountability around the group. He’s honest. He’s always pretty spot-on and the players receive that pretty good.
“He’s been an asset for us. I obviously don’t know whether it’s going to go any further but he’s been really good so far.”
