Cronulla have landed another huge signing with Melbourne co-captain Dale Finucane to join them on a four-year-deal from next season.
The 29-year-old knocked back offers from St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers to join new Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon and Storm teammate Nicho Hynes in the Shire from 2022.
The NSW Origin forward was in hot demand on the market and had several offers from rivals clubs to consider, as well as a deal to stay with Melbourne.
However, salary cap pressure at the Storm meant they could not compete to keep the player Craig Bellamy has called one of his favourites.
His impending departure will bring to an end a seven-season spell with the Storm in which Finucane has played in four grand finals and won two premierships in 147 games.
He played in two grand finals with Canterbury in 2012 and 2014 before joining the Storm.
“I’ve been here seven years, played with some great players, enjoyed some success and had the chance to be coached by Craig, one of the best coaches in the history of the game,” Finucane said.
“I’m going to miss the people here, the friendships I’ve made and the way the club is.
“It’s hard to put it into words how much Storm means to me.
“I’m honoured to have had the chance to experience this club, what it stands for, and I’ll always look fondly on my time here.”
It marks another key acquisition for Fitzgibbon, who has a relationship with Finucane from their time together in NSW camp.
Crucially, he will add another boost of leadership to the Sharks side for next season.
“Dale has a great relationship and respect for Craig Fitzgibbon through an association at representative level dating back to 2014 with NSW Country and more recently the NSW Origin team, and Craig sees him a senior leader at the club,” Sharks general manager Darren Mooney said.
“He is also someone who can help mentor our young team while setting standards and enhancing the culture we are looking to build.”
mushi
Roar Guru
Are they though? The top 4 have Brown, Arrow, Finucane and Yeo. There was talk of it happening before the rule change but the speed of the game has probably gone the other way, you need to be create metres without risking the ball.
mushi
Roar Guru
Nicho will be interesting for all the be wary of ex storm players talk I think the top shelf playmakers seem to go alright. Widdop shon when he could get on the field for the dragons. It was injuries - not capability -robbed him and the saints. GI sure as heck didn't look like a passenger and Cronk was pretty hand at the roosters. Even last year Harry made the tigers look good which is like a make up artist getting people to confuse me with George Clooney
mushi
Roar Guru
I don't know - the NRL has shown it's quite accommodating on injury retirements. I'd imagine Fitz's vision has them peaking in that 3-5 year window so being able to sign him for less per year, spread that across youngsters that develop, and potentially carry a bad year isn't too bad.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Heaps of quality forwards have left the Storm over the years and I'd say it's been pretty rare for them to have the impact along the lines of the expectations, particularly in the last decade or so. The Titans and Cows along with the Warriors have grabbed Storm forwards in their prime but have they changed that much as a result?
kk
Roar Pro
Your a genius Muzz. Guernsey selection will be important.
Nat
Roar Guru
Yeah, that's what I was thinking about during the game. I don't think Moylan is your halfback. Isn't Tracey a naural half? With his zip, he would cause some issues around the ruck.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
So they are going in with a lightweight pack and no halfback ? Flanagan ?
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I agree there is risk there but I I reckon its a risk worth taking . It's not all about Finucanes form but about driving standards amongst the Sharks pack. He will go alright.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Is Duncan a pseudonym for Big J. ????!
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Tony I see a rotating Brailey/Mcinnes scenario ,like Grant/Smith an Hodgeson/Starling
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Yeah Muzz ,similar scoreline like todays, too
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yeah the 4 years is a question, but if it was the thing that got the deal done then so be it…. It’s the cultural impact he will have in the first 2-3 years that will be worth it even if his body doesn’t make it to 4… land a premiership on top of that in the first couple, absolutely worth every cent of every season.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Haha need to know who the halfback is first before I join you for the sharks…. But Panthers, Storm and roosters aren’t disappearing next year
Renegade
Roar Guru
It’s a faster game now, most of the teams at the top end are shifting to more agile locks but can also defend their backsides off…. Days of using them as an extra prop are over
no one in particular
Roar Guru
over 200 games as an NRL forward, injuries starting to get him. Sharks may not look so smart in years 3 and 4
Tony
Roar Guru
I can't see a future for McInnes at lock I'm afraid. Too small and not a ball player.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
brailey to hooker, Mcinnes to lock
Muzz
Guest
Sharks v Bulldogs GF next year.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Brailey has the number 9 on lock. Finucane will play prop, replacing Woods… McInnes lock
Tony
Roar Guru
So Finucane to lock, McInnes to hooker and Brailey to....?