Melbourne Storm captain and star lock Dale Finucane has finally put pen to paper, signing a new deal with the Cronulla Sharks.
Reportedly being chased by as much as half of the competition just weeks ago, Finucane will move back to Sydney to link with the Sharks.
According to a Fox Sports report, the deal will run for four years and be worth $2.5 million.
It's understood Finucane, who played in Game 3 of the Origin series this year, told teammates of his decision this morning.
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The Sharks confirmed the news in a statement this afternoon.
Sharks General Manager of Football Darren Mooney said it was a great addition for the 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.
While the North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers were thought to be well in the mix for his signature, reports suggest it came down to a decision between the St George Illawarra Dragons and Sharks, with Finucane opting to go to the Shire.
The Storm were keen to hang onto their captain, however, simply couldn't meet the salary demands of the veteran lock.
The 29-year-old veteran of over 200 first grade games will link up with new coach Craig Fitzgibbon at the start of the 2022 season, and alongside a forward pack with a wealth of talent.
While the future of Aaron Woods and Aiden Tolman is unclear, Cronulla's middle third rotation also includes Toby Rudolf, Jack Williams, Braden Hamlin-Uele and the out of favour Andrew Fifita.
The Sharks recruitment drive has been impressive heading into 2022, with fellow Storm star Nicho Hynes also signing on with the club, while they will also welcome former St George Illawarra captain Cam McInnes, who has been forced to sit out this season with injury.
Melbourne, with a relatively full salary cap, will more than likely turn to Tui Kamikamica to take on the number 13 jumper next year.
Cronulla are yet to make a statement on the contract of Finucane.
