Finucane’s career is ended by concussions; there is no choice.
Dale Finucane, the co-captain of the Cronulla, decided to retire from the NRL immediately due to multiple concussions.
At a press conference on Tuesday, the two-time Premier League winning middle forward made his announcement. He described himself as “extremely disappointed” but said he had no choice but to end his playing career.
After Cronulla’s round-three loss to Wests Tigers, Finucane left the field after taking yet another blow to the head. The 32-year-old estimated that since making his Canterbury debut in 2012, he had suffered “double digit” concussions.
To find out if he could play on, he conferred with a number of independent physicians, the Rugby League Players Association and its legal counsel, current and former players, and the Sharks’ personnel.
“I’ve explored every option,” Finucane declared.
“A choice did not need to be made. The doctor recommended that I retire.
“I’ve been through a really rigorous process since the Tigers game, so I’m not really feeling it right now. I’m a little numb to the feeling.”
On Tuesday, the Sharks’ off-day, staff and players packed the media room to show their support for Finucane, who made his decision last Thursday.
Along with recent players Andrew Davey, Jake Friend, and Boyd Cordner, he is the latest to retire early from a concussion.
As a team player through and through, Finucane kept his retirement a secret from his teammates until Tuesday morning, fearing that an early announcement would overshadow Braden Hamlin-Uele’s100-gamemilestone and Samuel Stonestreet’s NRL debut in round seven.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon described Finucane as a “symbol of success” at Cronulla, praising him for his unwavering physicality and work ethic.
“Bringing Finucane to the Sharks in 2022 is one of the most significant (signings) our club will ever make,” Fitzgibbon remarked.
It’s nice to have players like Dale who are both a total savage in every way and who also exhibit that team spirit. He is such a wonderful man.
“His time here will live on in our club forever.”
As far as the AAP is aware, the Sharks have not yet decided if Finucane’s remaining contract, which was set to expire at the end of 2025, can be excluded from the salary cap.
He is currently being hired by Cronulla as a member of the team.
Finucane responded with a wry “I like my hair” as he turned to face the bald Fitzgibbon when asked if he would consider making the switch to coaching.
Finucane mentioned that his sons had previously joined him on the field, but he had not yet thought back on his career’s high points.
Finucane mentioned that his sons had joined him on the field prior to his 250th game in round two, but he had not yet given his career’s highlights much thought.
Finucane would make his penultimate NRL appearance in that victory over Canterbury.
In 13 NRL seasons, Finucane participated in six grand finals; Melbourne won the championships in 2017 and 2020.
He played in five State of Origin matches for NSW and contributed to two series victories.
He has struggled with injuries in the past few years; the 32-year-old was sidelined in 2024 due to a facial fracture and missed the end of the previous season due to a bicep issue.
“Although I’m disappointed by the abrupt conclusion, I’m appreciative and eager for the next phase of my
