Roosters chairman reveals Finch flip
By Dean Ritchie
July 20, 2006
SYDNEY Roosters chairman Nick Politis revealed last night that he had changed his mind and put halfback Brett Finch on the open market because the young player was under "unbelievable pressure".
The move came just two weeks after Politis declared: "There is more chance of George Bush playing for the Roosters than there is of us letting (Brett Finch) go".
There was no sign of the leader of the free world at Bondi Junction last night, but the Roosters are now looking for a halfback as Finch moves to secure his future elsewhere.
Politis told The Daily Telegraph that Finch's manager, Steve Gillis, had approached the club seeking permission to negotiate with other clubs.
"As a 24-year-old, Brett has been under unbelievable pressure for such a young man," Politis said.
"We had an internal review and discussion and approved this request. It was in Brett's best interest and those of the club."
The Roosters agreed to the request despite Finch, an Origin star this season, being under contract at Bondi for 2007.
"At most other NRL clubs, Finch wouldn't be under such public scrutiny," Politis continued.
"It may prove a turning point in Brett's career where he can enjoy his football.
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"Everyone at the club respects Brett as a young man who gives 100 per cent each time he takes the field.
"He has been given permission and if he can negotiate a good deal, we won't stand in his way."
But complications have already emerged over Finch's possible move from the Roosters.
Last night it emerged that:
* SOME officials at Parramatta, the club Finch has been linked to because of his friendship with incoming coach Michael Hagan, are not convinced the Eels should sign him.
* WITH the now defunct June 30 deadline having passed, many clubs have little money left.
* THE halfback may stay a Rooster if offered a reduced contract with rival clubs.
* THERE is a possibility Finch could end up in England.
The Daily Telegraph understands THAT Brisbane, Canberra, South Sydney and North Queensland are not interested in Finch.
Wests Tigers and St George-Illawarra were interested in Finch a month ago - but not now.
The Eels are definite contenders, however, because Hagan is a fan of Finch. The pair were together in 1997 at Super League club Hunter Mariners.
Gillis has not fielded any British offers but he has not ruled out a move to England.
He said Finch was looking "at all his options".
"The only problem is that June 30 has come and gone and there's not an awful amount of money out there," Gillis said.
"If he does find a competitive club he wants to play for, the Roosters have insisted we get back to them with any written offers. But he still could stay."
Roosters teammate Craig Fitzgibbon feels for Finch, saying: "It's been hard on him. It's got to get to him eventually but he doesn't show it."
Five-eighth Braith Anasta added: "It has been hard on Finchy."
