Finucane announces medical retirement after 251-game career

Cronulla co-captain Dale Finucane has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby league after seeking medical advice on his history with concussions.

Contracted with the Sharks until the end of the 2025 season, Finucane said he was forced to call a premature end to his decorated career after undergoing testing following his most recent concussion in Round 3 against the Wests Tigers.

"Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been going through a process of seeing a neurologist and neuropsychologist around the issues I've had with concussion," Finucane told media in a special press conference on Tuesday.

"At the end of the day there was no decisions to make, the medical advice from the two medical experts was that I retire and don't continue to play.

"I spoke with Clint Newton, President of the RLPA around potential avenues to return to play and potentially go against that advice but at the end of the day it wasn't able to come to fruition.

"I’m disappointed about the premature end to how it’s finished but I’m excited for the next chapter of my life."

After failing a head injury assessment in what would be the final NRL game of his career in Round 3, Finucane's wife Maddie suggested he seek medical advice after concerns grew around the frequency of his concussions.

"My wife Maddie, she's been at the forefront of wanting to put my health first before anything else. 

"Over the last few concussions that I've suffered she's showed a lot more worry around the frequency I was getting them and potentially how easy I was getting them. 

"She doesn't like seeing me come off the field for concussions at any time but I think I'd had a number over the last few years and I think the number was getting in the double digits of those non return to play concussions.

"While I'm disappointing about finishing I'm grateful that she was adamant about getting all of this stuff done.

"And I'd like to thank Fitzy, he came over to my house to speak with my wife and alleviate any fears she had around what was happening with me and give her peace of mind that I wasn't going to be playing until my health was put first."

Joining Cronulla in 2022, the Bega product has brought not only brought premiership-winning experience but also an important presence off the field in his application and professionalism towards training.

Coach Craig Fitzgibbon said despite the fact Finucane won't take the field again this year 'his sheer presence' will still be an asset to the club as the club looks to quantify a role for the veteran forward in the future.

"When Dale's around, he's a symbol of success in a lot of ways and a symbol of someone that gets the very best out of themselves every time they turn up," Fitzgibbon said on Tuesday.

"If we were to channel any sort of energy that Dale's provided and play with that similar spirit and selflessness in the way that he's conducted himself in the way that he's conducted himself over the course of his career and if that can rub off on his footy, that's a powerful motivator.

"Dale's signing is one of the most significant signings our club will ever make. Besides just being a great man, I feel like he has just delivered in spades. 

"He's changed the fabric of the way the boys prepare for a game of footy, the way they carry themselves and I don't think our club will ever forget his time here."

Finucane retires with an impressive 251-game career having debuted with the Bulldogs in 2012 before shifting to Melbourne in 2024.

He would play 152 games for the Storm before moving back to Sydney with Cronulla in 2022 as a two-time premiership winner and State of Origin representative, having played five games for New South Wales between 2019 and 2021.

The tireless forward celebrated his 250th NRL appearance earlier this year.

"Dale is a revered leader and will always hold a special place in our history as Shark #549. His passion and dedication are the stuff of legend," Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.

"Whilst no longer playing, he won't be lost to the Sharks. Dale will take up a role working with the club in various capacities.

"It's a premature end to a stellar playing career, but we congratulate Dale on his plethora of achievements and wish him, his wife Maddie and children Freddy and Tommy all the very best in their next chapter."