The Canberra Raiders have this afternoon sacked embattled coach David Furner.

Furner was told his services were no longer required by his brother, CEO Don Furner.



He finishes immediately and will not coach the Raiders side this weekend.



Furner said he was shattered by the decision and the fact he has become the first coach in Raiders history to be sacked.



"It's obviously a results driven game and we have lost our last three game,'' he said. "It's still terribly disappointing after all the work I've put in,'' Furner said.



Furner said his unwavering support for centre Blake Ferguson could have contributed to the board's decision.



Ferguson could be the biggest beneficiary of the axing due to an escape clause in his contract if Furner is no longer in charge.



Canberra assistant Andrew Dunemann, a contender for the Cowboys top job, will step into Furner's shoes for the remainder of the season.



Relations between the coach and leading players at the club, including much of the senior leader group, have deteriorated in recent weeks, coming to a head following the Raiders disappointing loss to Canterbury on Saturday afternoon.



It is understood the players held a private meeting last night where it was decided they could no longer believe they can work with Furner.



It was the second gathering of players in days.



The first came following the Canterbury loss when Furner heard whispers there was dissatisfaction among the playing group.



He called a meeting and asked players to air their grievances but, despite concerns they could no longer work with the coach, no complaints.



Ironically, the sacking happened while Furner was on a short break with the players in Bateman’s Bay which he had organised to rebuild relations.



The Canberra board made the decision today after Monday night's second players' meeting which was organised by nine senior players.



STATEMENT FROM THE CANBERRA RAIDERS



"The board made the tough decision feeling the team’s inconsistent performances were not reflective of the talent within the squad and have decided to pursue a different direction for the future of the club.



"The board noted the wonderful service over many years that David Furner has made to the club from his days as a player and more recently a coach and said he will leave his tenure at the club as one of the Raiders most loyal and respected figures.



"They noted the difficulty in the decision and said it was one of the saddest days in the clubs history.



"Andrew Dunemann will take over as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2013 season.



"The board will take the time necessary to appoint the best Head Coach for the club."

Originally published as Raiders sack coach Furner