Saturday’s 50-16 thrashing at the hands of a red-hot New Zealand Warriors capped the most tumultuous season in the Raiders’ 32-year existence.

The Raiders conceded an embarrassing 44 unanswered points on their way to a fifth straight loss, leaving them 12th on the table with one round to go.

Interim Raiders coach Andrew Dunemann said next Sunday’s encounter with the Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium would be about ‘‘making a statement’’.

‘‘We’ve had three weeks to get over what’s happened and it’s ongoing with some certain issues, but we need to go out there and play for the fans and each other,’’ Dunemann said.

‘‘It’s a close group, but when we get out on the field we’re not showing it.

‘‘I want to see a really united performance, one where we don’t give up and one where we play for each other.’’

The Raiders have had leaner campaigns in terms of wins and losses, but the drama of 2013 is leaving fans begging for the full-time siren at next Sunday’s final match of the year.

From Josh Dugan’s messy departure, to the axing of club legend and coach David Furner, the no-show of NSW State of Origin star Blake Ferguson and finally the doping scandal engulfing Sandor Earl, the Raiders have lurched from one disaster to the next.

‘‘I think it [the off-field stuff] is a contributing factor without a doubt, it’s not making excuses for anyone,’’ Dunemann said.

‘‘We’ve got a lot of players out and we’ve had to deal with a lot in the last three weeks, but they’re professionals and we need to get over it.’’

While Dunemann is the front-runner to take over as Raiders coach on a permanent basis, there are plenty of applicants.

At least 16 candidates have put their hands up, with eight or nine of those considered to be serious contenders.

It would be unfair to solely judge Dunemann’s credentials on the two games he has been in charge.

The Raiders had a disrupted preparation before last week’s 36-22 loss to premiership hopefuls Manly, while they have also had the sagas involving Ferguson and Earl.

Asked if he thought a massive overhaul was needed in the off-season, Dunemann said, ‘‘Sitting in this position it’s easy for me to say it only needs fine-tuning and tinkering.

‘‘There’s issues we need to iron out with how we play and structurally within the club, but I think the staff we’ve got there is very capable and given the opportunity can prove themselves.

‘‘As I said to the boys, we need to forget about what can happen next year and focus on next week, because our last two performances haven’t been great.’’

Raiders prop David Shillington admitted the issues involving Ferguson and Earl had taken their toll on the playing group.

‘‘It’s hard not to feel let down,’’ Shillington said. ‘‘You want your best players out there, playing for you, each week.

‘‘It’s obviously naive to say it’s not a distraction ... It’s about being professional and trying to handle that the best you can and not use that as an excuse.’’

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS 50 (S Johnson 3, M Vatuvei 3, N Laumape, S Mannering, E Taylor tries; S Johnson 7 goals) bt CANBERRA RAIDERS 16 (J Croker 3 tries; J Croker 2 goals) at Mt Smart Stadium. Referees: Gavin Badger, Alan Shortall.