'That's how much it means': Dragons centre Jack Bird reduced to tears after loss to Cronulla

Dragons centre Jack Bird was reduced to tears following St George Illawarra's Golden Point loss to the Sharks.

Sharks playmaker Chad Townsend, on his third field goal attempt, crushed the hearts of Dragons fans as Cronulla defeated their rivals 13-12 at Jubilee Stadium.

Townsend's first two attempts were charged down, however on his third attempt, the halfback got his kick off before any Dragons defender could get to him, slotting the kick from 15 metres out directly in front.

Following the crushing defeat, cameras captured the moment Bird was left showing no lack of emotion as the Dragons centre fought back tears.

"That's how much it means to them," rugby league great Billy Slater told Nine.

"They've had injuries and suspensions this week and you have a look at Jack Bird there, winning means so much to these players that's it everything, it's their week."

Ruan Sims added: "Jack Bird stood around and waited for me to interview him after the game. This is how he felt that whole time.

"So when people think that players don't feel losses or they don't feel when things go wrong, this is clear vision that is not the case.

"They feel and ride every single wave."

Bird spoke to Nine after the match and admitted the defeat was a tough one to take in.

"Very disappointed," he said.

"Back-to-back losses is something we don't want. It's just not good enough tonight."