The Sharks have secured the services of Dale Finucane, with the NSW Origin and Melbourne Storm star to join the Cronulla club in 2022 on a long term deal.
Finucane, who was being chased by a number of rival NRL clubs, has agreed to terms on a four year deal, running through until the end of the 2025 season.
In announcing the significant signing, Sharks General Manager of Football Darren Mooney explained there were a number of factors influencing Finucane’s decision to commit his playing future to the Cronulla Club.
“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,” 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.
“Dale was also impressed with the future vision, where the Board and senior management is taking the club and is excited to be a part of that future,” Mooney added.
In a career highlighted by five games for the NSW Origin team and six Grand Final appearances, Finucane has played 208 NRL games since making his debut for the Bulldogs in 2012.
Originally from Bega on the NSW South Coast, Finucane joined the Bulldogs, playing in their junior representative system, then Toyota Cup under-20’s, where he was twice a member of the NYC Team of the Year. He also represented the Junior Kangaroos in 2011 in a game against the Junior Kiwis.
Finucane played in the Bulldogs team beaten in the 2012 and 2014 Grand Finals and in 66 top grade games over three years at the Canterbury club, before joining the Storm in 2015. A Co-Captain at Melbourne this season, Finucane has played 142 NRL matches at the Storm, including four Grand Finals, winning two Premierships.
His signing adds quality, experience and depth to the Sharks playing roster in 2022.
