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http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Scorned-former-Rooster-to-crow-at-Eels/2006/12/08/1165081141957.html
Scorned former Rooster 'to crow at Eels
Rugby league's most criticised halfback, Brett Finch, says Parramatta is going to reap the benefits of a player scorned in 2007.
Finch endured a rollercoaster 2006 NRL season, with the highs of booting NSW to victory in Origin I deflated by the lows of failing to hold down the No.7 jersey with the Sydney Roosters.
But Finch doesn't rate his final year at the Roosters as a low point in his eight-year career.
Instead the 25-year-old believes 2006 was "one of my most consistent seasons" and his constant criticism from fans and media is only going to fuel his ambitions for a blockbuster 2007 at new club Parramatta.
"I think last year was one of my most consistent seasons and unfortunately you don't get portrayed that way," said Finch.
"A couple of other criticisms along the way and that's probably a reason I went to Parramatta - to get a fresh start at a place that doesn't carry the pressure (playing at) the Roosters does.
"If you're copping the criticism then obviously you'll be receiving the accolades that come your way as well after the game.
"I feel as though I am playing some good footy in my career at the moment and hopefully with really quality people around me at Parramatta I can get even more influential and take my game to another level ... but there's a lot of hard work to go to get there."
Finch has completed only four weeks of pre-season training at the Eels, but already he is optimistic about his potential halves combination with Tim Smith.
Smith endured his own rough ride in 2006, with a couple of off-field indiscretions and a broken collarbone adding to his 'second-year syndrome' after being the 2005 rookie of the year.
Both players are determined to put the past well behind them in 2007, and Finch said already they are starting to form a great partnership with the former Rooster committed to playing five-eighth.
"Timmy is a real nice bloke and we share a lot of similarities and get along really well and not only in training but off the field as well," said Finch.
"He is obviously a bit younger than me but it's going to be exciting to play with him and see how we go.
"I feel pretty old even though I'm only 25. I have spent a fair bit of time in first grade.
"A lot of people go through lows, it's not always enjoyable but it certainly makes you the person you are today.
"I wouldn't take away that stuff I have been through."
© 2006 AAP
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Scorned former Rooster 'to crow at Eels
Rugby league's most criticised halfback, Brett Finch, says Parramatta is going to reap the benefits of a player scorned in 2007.
Finch endured a rollercoaster 2006 NRL season, with the highs of booting NSW to victory in Origin I deflated by the lows of failing to hold down the No.7 jersey with the Sydney Roosters.
But Finch doesn't rate his final year at the Roosters as a low point in his eight-year career.
Instead the 25-year-old believes 2006 was "one of my most consistent seasons" and his constant criticism from fans and media is only going to fuel his ambitions for a blockbuster 2007 at new club Parramatta.
"I think last year was one of my most consistent seasons and unfortunately you don't get portrayed that way," said Finch.
"A couple of other criticisms along the way and that's probably a reason I went to Parramatta - to get a fresh start at a place that doesn't carry the pressure (playing at) the Roosters does.
"If you're copping the criticism then obviously you'll be receiving the accolades that come your way as well after the game.
"I feel as though I am playing some good footy in my career at the moment and hopefully with really quality people around me at Parramatta I can get even more influential and take my game to another level ... but there's a lot of hard work to go to get there."
Finch has completed only four weeks of pre-season training at the Eels, but already he is optimistic about his potential halves combination with Tim Smith.
Smith endured his own rough ride in 2006, with a couple of off-field indiscretions and a broken collarbone adding to his 'second-year syndrome' after being the 2005 rookie of the year.
Both players are determined to put the past well behind them in 2007, and Finch said already they are starting to form a great partnership with the former Rooster committed to playing five-eighth.
"Timmy is a real nice bloke and we share a lot of similarities and get along really well and not only in training but off the field as well," said Finch.
"He is obviously a bit younger than me but it's going to be exciting to play with him and see how we go.
"I feel pretty old even though I'm only 25. I have spent a fair bit of time in first grade.
"A lot of people go through lows, it's not always enjoyable but it certainly makes you the person you are today.
"I wouldn't take away that stuff I have been through."
© 2006 AAP
Brought to you by
