While fullback James Tedesco was deservingly awarded the man of the match - and series - for his ankle-breaking steps and clever play-making that helped the Blues to a stunning 26-20 win in the final minute, it can be easy to forget that the middle men underpin the quicks' efforts.

However, Finucane's unerring work in the Blues engine room did not go unnoticed in both his appearances.

League great Peter Sterling was among the many big names of the code heaping praise on the Bega export and Melbourne Storm lock after another solid contribution in his second encounter for the Blues.

Sterling particularly encouraged Brad Fittler to inject Finucane earlier in the first half to provide line speed for the Blues through the middle.

"I'd like to see the Blues make an early interchange and get Finucane out there just to improve the line speed. The Blues need some intensity here," Sterlo said as part of Nine's live blog on Wednesday night.

His counterpart Paul Vaughan was able to score for the Blues, but Finucane was second only to David Klemmer in metres gained from the forwards, gaining 96 metres off 11 hit ups.

Much like game two, he backed up solidly in defence with 21 tackles.

NRL pundits also quietly praised Finucane's gritty performance saying he had "done the tough work" for the Blues.

The governing body praised the Bega export's 11-year-rise to the occasion after starting his NRL journey at the age of 16 when he was picked up by the Blues.

Speaking to NRL.com Finucane said Group 16 league certainly helped him prepare for the tough competition.

"Neil Baker from Eden, he took a special liking to me. I still remember his name and the roughing up he gave me to welcome me to first grade," Finucane said.

Michael Ennis, too, didn't hesitate in praising his former Bulldogs team-mate

"For Dale I just always hoped that someone would appreciate how important he is to a footy side," Ennis said of his move to the Storm.

"You see that with Craig Bellamy, he'd never let Dale go. Melbourne understood immediately what he brings - a wonderful work ethic, a great person and an extremely hard working guy that wants to get better no matter what."

"He's the ultimate pro and he's made for Origin, we've known that all along," Melbourne football manager Frank Ponissi told the NRL.

Ennis said Finucane was likely to be a regular fixture from now on on the back of his hard work in games two and three.

Finucane's match-worn jumper is now up for auction at officialmemorabilia.com with Club Bombala leading the bids at the time of writing.