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A reborn Brett Finch looks likely to be an Eels scapegoat, writes Andrew Webster.
Brett Finch spent New Year's Eve rubbing shoulders with the high rollers and desperadoes of Las Vegas. Ask him what odds he gives himself of staying with the Eels beyond this season and he says: "It's not very good odds at all. There's not much chance of me staying there, really."
It's becoming clearer that Finch, who was reborn at five-eighth at the Eels last season alongside Tim Smith, is likely to be squeezed out because of the salary cap.
Which is a shame, of course: he fired last year.
The off-season re-signings of young superstar outside backs Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne on telephone number-like figures, and centre Ben Smith's contract being extended on Friday until the end of 2010, means the dollars are simply drying up for Finch as he heads into his 10th season of first grade.
"Hages [Eels coach Michael Hagan] sat me down two weeks ago and told me it's pretty tight for money and I totally understand," Finch said.
"I was as happy as anyone when they re-signed Inu and Hayne. I was fully aware of the situation if they re-signed. That it would be pretty tough to keep me. I was never selfish, hoping they went anywhere else. They were juniors at Parramatta and it would've been terrible to see them poached away. But I know where it leaves me."
While keen to stay at the Eels after his side came within a lineball video ref decision of a grand final appearance against eventual premiers Melbourne, Finch could become one of the most sought-after players on the open market if he starts this season as he finished 2007.
It marks a stunning turnaround for a player maligned as being on his last chance when he left the Roosters at the end of 2006. He has not spoken to other clubs and none has coming knocking yet.
"But I know there's going to be opportunities for me," he said. "I know there's not many halves on the open market. It's not like I need to prove I can play. It's a weird situation to be in. If I'm playing well I'm sure things will work out.
"I certainly wasn't thinking that my career was dead. The journos might have been thinking that. Michael Hagan didn't think I was dead. The people around me didn't think my career was finished. I knew I was a valuable asset to any team.
"A lot of people don't see what I offer at training with my enthusiasm and talk. The stuff behind the scenes is important."
One lifeline could come in the form of hooker Mark Riddell, who has indicated he might leave after this season with one year remaining on his contract so he can finish his career in England.
Eels football manager Andrew Hill said yesterday: "If Brett receives an offer too good to refuse, then it's likely we couldn't even think of matching it. The club wants to retain him and we're endeavouring to do so. But it will be tight." It has also been suggested that Finch's future could hinge on halfback Smith, who has had alcohol-related issues. As far as Finch is concerned, his halves partner will be alongside him when he returns from shoulder surgery in the early rounds.
"Timmy's good," Finch said. "He's been good for a while now. He's training great and he seems to have a few things sorted out.
"He's a 22-year-old kid. Everyone's made mistakes at that age. I felt he was hung out to dry a bit - not by the club, but some things that were said."
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/finch-set-to-be-squeezed-out/2008/02/16/1202760662997.html
Brett Finch spent New Year's Eve rubbing shoulders with the high rollers and desperadoes of Las Vegas. Ask him what odds he gives himself of staying with the Eels beyond this season and he says: "It's not very good odds at all. There's not much chance of me staying there, really."
It's becoming clearer that Finch, who was reborn at five-eighth at the Eels last season alongside Tim Smith, is likely to be squeezed out because of the salary cap.
Which is a shame, of course: he fired last year.
The off-season re-signings of young superstar outside backs Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne on telephone number-like figures, and centre Ben Smith's contract being extended on Friday until the end of 2010, means the dollars are simply drying up for Finch as he heads into his 10th season of first grade.
"Hages [Eels coach Michael Hagan] sat me down two weeks ago and told me it's pretty tight for money and I totally understand," Finch said.
"I was as happy as anyone when they re-signed Inu and Hayne. I was fully aware of the situation if they re-signed. That it would be pretty tough to keep me. I was never selfish, hoping they went anywhere else. They were juniors at Parramatta and it would've been terrible to see them poached away. But I know where it leaves me."
While keen to stay at the Eels after his side came within a lineball video ref decision of a grand final appearance against eventual premiers Melbourne, Finch could become one of the most sought-after players on the open market if he starts this season as he finished 2007.
It marks a stunning turnaround for a player maligned as being on his last chance when he left the Roosters at the end of 2006. He has not spoken to other clubs and none has coming knocking yet.
"But I know there's going to be opportunities for me," he said. "I know there's not many halves on the open market. It's not like I need to prove I can play. It's a weird situation to be in. If I'm playing well I'm sure things will work out.
"I certainly wasn't thinking that my career was dead. The journos might have been thinking that. Michael Hagan didn't think I was dead. The people around me didn't think my career was finished. I knew I was a valuable asset to any team.
"A lot of people don't see what I offer at training with my enthusiasm and talk. The stuff behind the scenes is important."
One lifeline could come in the form of hooker Mark Riddell, who has indicated he might leave after this season with one year remaining on his contract so he can finish his career in England.
Eels football manager Andrew Hill said yesterday: "If Brett receives an offer too good to refuse, then it's likely we couldn't even think of matching it. The club wants to retain him and we're endeavouring to do so. But it will be tight." It has also been suggested that Finch's future could hinge on halfback Smith, who has had alcohol-related issues. As far as Finch is concerned, his halves partner will be alongside him when he returns from shoulder surgery in the early rounds.
"Timmy's good," Finch said. "He's been good for a while now. He's training great and he seems to have a few things sorted out.
"He's a 22-year-old kid. Everyone's made mistakes at that age. I felt he was hung out to dry a bit - not by the club, but some things that were said."
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/finch-set-to-be-squeezed-out/2008/02/16/1202760662997.html
