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Cronulla co-captain Dale Finucane has announced his retirement from the NRL after “double-digit concussions” prompted him to call a premature end to his playing career..
The 32-year-old forward fronted the media on Tuesday alongside coach Craig Fitzgibbon to explain why the many head knocks he had suffered over the years led to him pulling the pin on his career even though the dual premiership winner was contracted at the Sharks until the end of 2025.
“Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been going through a process of seeing a neurologist and neuropsychologist around the issues I’ve had with concussion,” Finucane said.
“At the end of the day there was no decisions to make, the medical advice from the two medical experts was that I retire and don’t continue to play.
“I spoke with Clint Newton, President of the RLPA around potential avenues to return to play and potentially go against that advice but at the end of the day it wasn’t able to come to fruition.
“I’m disappointed about the premature end to how it’s finished but I’m excited for the next chapter of my life.”
He missed the end of the 2023 season with a torn bicep and fractured his eye socket earlier this season, restricting him to only three games so far.
“Dale is a revered leader and will always hold a special place in our history as Shark #549. His passion and dedication are the stuff of legend,” CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.
“Whilst no longer playing, he won’t be lost to the Sharks. Dale will take up a role working with the club in various capacities.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy and Dale Finucane of the Storm pose with the JJ Giltinan Shield in 2021. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption]
“If we were to channel any sort of energy that Dale’s provided and play with that similar spirit and selflessness in the way that he’s conducted himself in the way that he’s conducted himself over the course of his career and if that can rub off on his footy, that’s a powerful motivator.
“Dale’s signing is one of the most significant signings our club will ever make. Besides just being a great man, I feel like he has just delivered in spades.
“He’s changed the fabric of the way the boys prepare for a game of footy, the way they carry themselves and I don’t think our club will ever forget his time here.”
The Sharks are well stocked with middle forwards with Braden Hamlin-Uele, Toby Rudolf, Jack Williams, Oregon Kaufusi and Cameron McInnes providing plenty of experience along with younger options like Jesse Colquhoun, Tom Hazelton and Tuku Hau Tapuha.
And they have Warriors star Addin Fonua-Blake heading to the club next season on a four-year deal.
However, Finucane’s departure is still a major blow for the competition leaders as they try to add a second premiership to the club’s trophy cabinet after their 2016 success.
They thrashed the Cowboys last weekend and are red-hot favourites to topple the Raiders in Canberra this Sunday.
with AAP
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