3 minute read

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has made it clear he is desperate for the Storm to re-sign Dale Finucane, despite up to five NRL rivals showing interest.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy says there's no other player at the NRL premiers he'd like to retain above forward Dale Finucane.

The 29-year-old is off-contract at the end of the year and has conceded the salary cap could entice him away from the Storm with up to five rivals understood to have shown interest.

Bellamy admits the situation is complicated but is adamant he won't be giving up on re-signing Finucane without a fight.

"We're as keen as mustard to keep him," the veteran coach said.

"Obviously we've got to work out our roster and salary cap and whatever.

"Hopefully we can put an offer in to him quickly so we know where we're going and Dale knows where he's going.

"There's not many more players in this team that I'd want to stay at our club than Dale."

Named co-captain following Cameron Smith's retirement, Finucane moved to Melbourne in 2015 and has won two premierships at the Storm as well as representing NSW in State of Origin.

Having become a father for the first time two years ago, the ex-Canterbury player has said any decision on his future will be made with his family's interests at the heart of the call.

His future is just one of multiple issues to be resolved at the Storm.

Brisbane winger Xavier Coates has been confirmed as a replacement for Josh Addo-Carr on the wing next season while Origin representatives Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen seem destined to receive sizeable contract upgrades following their emergence in the past two seasons.

New Zealand international Brandon Smith has also indicated he's eager to remain at the Storm in 2022 and see out the final year of his contract despite interest from Canterbury, Gold Coast or Brisbane in securing an early release to sign the 25-year-old.

Rising star Nicho Hynes has also announced he'll be joining Cronulla at season's end on a three-year deal.