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Wigan stand-off Brett Finch is hoping his return to form will earn him a new contract.
The 30-year-old Australian is in his final season of a two-year contract at the DW Stadium and has yet to open talks over a new deal, but on Tuesday made clear his desire to extend his stay in Super League.
“I haven’t heard from the club yet,” said Finch. “My main focus is just playing well and hopefully that will take care of itself as the season goes on.
“I’d definitely like to extend my stay here, but I understand Wigan have got plenty of young fellas coming through – local players as well – and they might want to head in a different direction.
“I’ll just play it by ear. I’m enjoying my time here and I’d certainly give Wigan the opportunity if they want to keep me.”
Finch, who was signed by then head coach Michael Maguire 18 months ago at the same time as his former Melbourne Storm teammates Ryan Hoffman and Jeff Lima, was shocked by the departure of Maguire at the end of last season, but says he is relishing the style of play adopted by his successor Shaun Wane.
And, after making a slow start to his Wigan career after missing the start of the 2011 season with a neck injury, the former Parramatta, Sydney Roosters and Melbourne half-back will go into Friday’s showdown with Warrington in a rich vein of form.
“When I signed, I expected Madge to be here a lot longer than the 12 months, but I came with an open mind and, the longer I’ve stayed, the more I’ve enjoyed it,” Finch added.
“You get familiar with the surroundings. Even though it’s a long way from home, it’s never something that’s bothered me too much. It’s always going to be there.
“Even though we had the change of the coach, I knew what Waney wanted and what he expected and it’s been really good playing under him. I get on great with him.
“Shaun is a very passionate Wigan man. He’s obviously played for the club and been involved in coaching a lot of these guys.
“I don’t know if boring is the word, but with Madge we were probably a bit more controlled, whereas Waney certainly encourages us to take our opportunities if they present themselves.
“They are both defence-minded coaches, though, which is why Shaun was so disappointed with the way we’ve defended in the last fortnight.”
Wane has been delighted with Finch’s contribution so far, both on and off the field.
“It’s absolutely massive,” he said. “He’s playing outstandingly well but in training and video he’s very vocal.
“He’s a real good all-round bloke who’s loving his rugby at the minute and long may it continue.”
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