Rangi Chase for me is Moran mk2.

A great shame, just as a dynasty was building. I expect to see Finchy wearing green and red next year. For me theres only 1 replacement in the Super League that could come anywhere near filling his boots, Dobson! Failing that, Sandow after a diet.

I'm assuming you mean you think he'd be a disappointment rather than comparing the type of player they are?

[urlhttp://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/finch-tipped-to-leave-on-a-high-1-4632652[/url

SHAUN Wane reckons Brett Finch’s form will scale even greater heights in the crunch part of the season after confirming his intention to return to the NRL next year.

Wigan’s 12th straight victory last Saturday – a 36-14 win at Catalan – was overshadowed by confirmation that in-form Finch will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

His decision ends weeks of intense speculation over his future, and despite his good form, Wane reckons the uncertainty has weighed on the playmaker’s mind.

He said: “I’m glad it’s all sorted now, because I know from the conversations we’ve had, that it has been on Brett’s mind a lot.

“Now he’s made his decision, he can concentrate 100 per cent on his performances and I think we’ll see the difference. His form has been fantastic and I think it’ll get even better now.”

Attention will now turn to who may replace the in-form No.6. With Thomas Leuluai heading to New Zealand Warriors, Wigan will have a new halfback pairing in 2013. A deal to bring in Salford’s scrum-half Matty Smith is thought to have been done, leaving Wane scouring the NRL and Super League for a stand-off.

Michael Maguire’s Souths are believed to be leading the chase for Finch. Maguire – who brought the stand-off to Wigan at the start of last year – has already lured Jeff Lima back to the NRL for next season.

Wigan officials insist they did everything they could to keep hold of the former Melbourne, Canberra, Parramatta and Sydney Roosters ace.

But he is thought to be keen on starting a role in the media now before he hangs up the boots.

One of the real characters of the game, Finch was offered a spot on Matthew Johns’ TV show before moving to the Super League.

Rugby general manager Kris Radlinski said: “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.”

Finch said he wanted to make a decision on his career early to give the Warriors time to find a replacement.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Radlinski added that he hoped that DaveO from RLfans was happy with that.

Pretty harsh!

Chase can pass a ball - that automatically places him far higher than Moran.

www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u ... story.html? Thoughts

www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u ... story.html? Thoughts

Why is this in a thread about Brett Finch?

perhaps he is thinking of re-inventing himself from a prop to play 6 or 7 and hence replace Brett........wtf.....

Sorry mistakenly put in in here instead of the obvious place.

I wondered why I could not find it when i looked for any replies.

It wont happen again Sir!

Get over yourself mate.....wtf???

Chase' interview on the SL website isn't positive in the slightest (not the he's wrong). Mentions how Cas don't have quality players and how he's looking forward to playing with quality this weekend. Think he's pretty fed up really and wouldn't be surprised to see him leave if Wigan handed us a few quid for him as he's still got 3 years to run on his contract.

Daniel Anderson - "Good half backs in Super League are like hen's teeth, they're very rare and that's why Brett Finch stands out".

Boy do we know it. There's not a single HB in SL I'd pick to replace Brett.

[iAre Wigan Warriors going to replace Brett Finch with Rangi Chase next season?[/i

This the rumour that's doing the rounds, Cas will announce some new signings using the Chase money.

He was good when he first came onto the scene but after winning Young Player of the Year he got 'Billy Big Balls Syndrome' where he doesn't train as hard hence the beer belly and has gone lazy, wouldn't touch him with a barge pole if I had access to Liam Watts and a barge pole.

Rather go for Taylor.

At the end of the day it's his own fault for having no ambition. A number of top clubs were in for him last season and he chose to stay with Cas.

Hope it (the talk of signing for us) falls through personally and he's made to stay the length of his contract.

This is so true. I actually rate Chase and think that he did a lot better than most people seem to for England in the 4 Nations. However I wouldnt want him to come to Wigan as I dont think he is what we need and I would prefer a half back that will make sacrifices for the good of the team rather than an individual.

I think Chase was always going to leave but by signing a long contract was going secure Cas some serious dollar. I think its all been a bit pre meditated from day one but you cant blame Cas for cashing in on their star assett

I thought that was to do with whether he would be able to get a work permit at another club after his court case. I understood that the general consensus was that any club requiring Chase would sign him prior to the court case presuming (correctly) a guilty version was coming, even if this meant loaning him back to Cas until salary cap space was freed up.

Finch's future is still not decided and he may even retire at the end of the season to take up a media role in Aus.
[urlhttp://www.nrl.com/brett-finch-unsure-on-rugby-league-future/tabid/10874/newsid/68316/default.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter[/url

Been told by a SL player that Chase is playing up as Wigan want to take him early but Cas are staying firm and saying no.

Good for them, but its an ass when this happens... Player seem to be able to find ways out of contracts on a seemingly regular basis.

I'm almost certain Wigan wouldn't want a player on the books who was prepared to do that anyway so I can't see it.

A few years ago maybe but not now.

He'll end up in the media one day that's for sure.

I really hope thats not the case. Cas have done a lot for Chase and do not deserve to be treated like that. They gave him a bumper contract last season which he agreed to and as such deserve a bumper fee if he wishes to go. He cant just change his mind when it suits. I hope, and certainly dont think, that Lenegan would be party to such games.