Wigan confirm Finch exit
Wigan’s superb victory in France over Catalan was overshadowed by the news that Brett Finch is leaving the club at the end of the season.
The dust had barely settled on the Warriors’ 36-14 triumph in Montpellier, a result which restores their three point advantage at the top of Super League, when Finch’s future was revealed.
Finch, 30, has been a key figure this season, but will leave the DW Stadium to return to the NRL, where he could link up with former Warriors coach Michael Maguire at South Sydney.
He said: “The Wigan club has been fantastic to me and I felt that it was important to sort out my future now so that everyone knew the situation and so that the Club could start to make other plans. There are a number of options back home that I find attractive and my life after footy needs to be given consideration.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in England and to play for a Club like Wigan has been a dream. The fans have treated me so well and I will be eternally grateful to them for making me feel so welcome. I want to finish this season strongly as I am part of a special team and feel that we have every chance of winning more trophies.”
Finch joined the Warriors from Melbourne Storm ahead of the 2011 season and has scored 13 tries in 47 appearances for the club, as well as picking up a Challenge Cup winners medal last August.
Head Coach Shaun Wane said: “It has been a pleasure to coach Brett this season and he has contributed greatly in making my first year as a Head Coach so enjoyable. I know his character and he will be trying his very best for Wigan until the last second of this season. Although I am sad that he has chosen to move on, I understand completely his reasons for doing so.”
With scrum half Thomas Leuluai already confirmed to be leaving at the end of 2012, Wigan now face the prospect of recruiting a brand new half-back pairing.
Salford’s Matty Smith has been heavily linked with a move, while the club are also rumoured to be keen on Castleford stand off and Man of Steel Rangi Chase.