Huddersfield captain Kevin Brown has denied the announcement of his shock move to Widnes played a part in the 38-34 Magic Weekend defeat to Salford.
Brown stunned the Giants on the eve of Sunday's game by revealing he is to quit the club with two years left on his contract to join the Stobart Super League basement outfit on a four-year deal from 2013.
The former Wigan stand-off was among the try-scorers but Salford had the final say in a pulsating contest at the Etihad Stadium, where the lead changed hands six times before Huddersfield were condemned to a third consecutive defeat.
Brown said: "The boys knew I was leaving, it was a matter of which club. I told them and they were really supportive.
"It's not the reason we didn't perform today. We've got to look away from excuses and look at ourselves more. There were some embarrassing efforts today."
The 27-year-old Brown, who joined Huddersfield from Wigan in 2006, said the reason for his move was personal and admitted he spoke to his old club about a return to the DW Stadium before being won over by the ambitious plans of Widnes owner Steve O'Connor.
"The main reason is family," he said. "My nan had cancer last year and I've just had a kid and realised how important family are.
"This opportunity came up and I couldn't turn it down. I spoke to the board at the start of the year and told them I was missing the family.
"At first I was going to move back and travel to Huddersfield but a couple of clubs came in.
"Wigan was an option. I spoke to them but I'm more than happy with the choice I've made.
"I know what the coach is all about. I've worked with Denis Betts before and he's a fantastic coach. Obviously at the moment, they're struggling on the field.
"But I met Steve O'Connor and he's one of the main reasons I'm going there. People are asking 'Why Widnes?' but I know the ambition they've got. Their plans for the next three years are very exciting."