When Dale Finucane joined the Melbourne Storm five years ago, no one could have known the future he would establish at the club.
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Then, Finucane was a budding young forward, who was battling for minutes against the likes of Frank Pritchard and Sam Kassianou at the Bulldogs.
However, Melbourne Storm officials said coach Craig Bellamy could see the value in Finucane, long before he pulled on the purple jersey.
The club announced late Wednesday that Finucane had signed a new four-year deal with the club, locking him in until the end of the 2021 season.
“I’m very excited about signing with the club for another four years,” Finucane said during the press conference. “With the caliber of players we have it’s very enticing to stay here and the quality of coach that Craig is made that decision easier.”
Finucane has been hailed as player with one of the best work rates across the entire NRL and has proved invaluable to the Storm.
He credits leadership at the club and learning from some of the big names.
“I've learnt a lot since I've been down here, obviously the big three that everyone speaks about, but not just those guys, Jesse Bromwich who is arguably the best prop in the game … and even some guys who’ve left like Ryan Hinchcliffe,” Finucane said.
The front-rower had been off contract at the start of the season and Fox Sports reported that Finucane was the most sought-after player in the competition with as many as six clubs chasing the star.
The club said Finucane was just a fresh-faced 20-year-old when they first sat down and tried to lure him to the club, but Bellamy said the Bega export left a lasting impression.
Initially Finucane turned down the offer, but rang both Bellamy and Football Director Frank Ponissi to thank them for their time, which again boosted Bellamy’s interest in the rising star.
“You don’t usually get that these days. Their manager usually just rings up and says they ain’t coming but he rang us up, thanked us for our time and thanked us for showing him around,” Bellamy said.
“That is old school, you don’t really see that these days. Those sort of guys with that sort of mentality, they are the ones you want at your club.”
Bellamy also said that Finucane had become an integral part of the leadership group and would likely have an even bigger role in future.
The Melbourne coach couldn’t speak highly enough of Finucane’s work-rate, but also his capacity to inspire the squad.
“Dale might not say much at times, but he can lead the guys ‘I can't tell you where to go, just follow me’, that's the sort of player he is ... and he's the kind of player I love coaching,” he said.
The club is also pushing Finucane as a prospect for Blues selection this year with the second best club stats this season.