Brett Finch to Leave Wigan

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors today announce that Brett Finch will leave the Club at the end of the 2012 Super League season after completing his 2-year contract.

Finch, who has been outstanding for Wigan this year in leading them to the top of the Super League, is keen to pursue his options Down Under for next year and his life after Rugby League.

He joined the Warriors in 2011 from Australian side Melbourne Storm and, after being forced to miss the start of the season with a neck injury, Brett flourished at Stand Off helping the Club to a first Challenge Cup since 2002. So far in his Wigan career he has made 47 appearances scoring 13 tries.

Brett commented:

"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."

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."

Rugby General Manager, Kris Radlinski added:

"We tried our very best to keep Brett as he is so important to us, both on and off the field. We offered Brett the contract that he wanted but in the end his desire to return home and plan for his life after the game were too strong. He is a tremendous character and it has been a honour having him represent our Club."

Wigan Owner, Ian Lenagan, said:

"Brett Finch has delivered everything and more that we signed him for. The Wigan club has done all it could to persuade Brett to stay longer but he is right to be making plans for himself for his final career years and for his role thereafter. He will be remembered as a special Wigan player in a special team - and even more so if we pick up more silverware before he leaves."

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... &type=news

[East Stand Faithful]

Gutted. It is going to be a big test for SW to get the replacements right now.

[Kittwazzer]

Gutted!

[Kiwiseddon]

Shame but I understand that there is life beyond our club. I just hope that we look hard at a class replacement as next season is going to be difficult without quality halves. Smith might go ok but we need a high quali player next to him.

Anyway, thanks Finchy, you've been great!

[OJ]

Disappointed after the form he has been in this year but he's fulfilled his contract as far as I know and can understand him wanting to go back home. Would have been great if he had given us a couple more years and then gone on the coaching staff but clearly not to be so look forward to seeing who will replace him. Josie can you tell his girlfriend to chuck him please!

[TrueBlueWarrior]

Absolutely gutted, just glad that he is returning home and not another SL club.

[Lost In The Midlands]

Gutted but we will go on. For what it's worth, I have faith in SW and surely the club will have a back up plan?

All the best Brett and thankyou.

[michael inch stoke]

Very disappointed, but has been a decent player for a season and half we have had him.

I wont be very pleased if he ends up at the Cowboys after the picture posted by Pat the other day. IMO, it totally disrespectful to the club and the fans to wear your next clubs shirt while still contracted to your present one.

[i'm spartacus]

What a shame. The team works round him and Tommy at the moment and if we had to lose one, I really didn't want to contemplate losing the other. Wish he would have stayed on because I believe the guy really would have been an all time great..


Now where did I put that bottle of whisky...

[yokozuna]

A big hole to fill, he was immense again today.