Melbourne Storm co-captain Dale Finucane will leave the club at the end of the season following a highly successful seven-year career.
Finucane has totalled 147 games in the purple jersey since joining from Canterbury in January 2015.
He has played in the preliminary final in each season with Storm, reached four grand finals, won two premierships and three minor premierships, as well as gaining State of Origin honours for New South Wales.
Storm General Manager – Football Frank Ponissi said Finucane would always be held in high esteem at the club.
"Knowing Dale will be leaving at the end of the year makes this a sad day for us but one we expected," he said.
"True to how Dale is, he has been totally professional and open with us during these contract discussions.
He has brought some outstanding traits to Storm, highlighted by his professionalism and leadership, and just being a good bloke who has time for everyone.
Frank Ponissi
"He has had a major influence on our playing group and we look forward to that continuing in 2021 as we head into another finals campaign.
"Dale has made players around him better and will be sorely missed by everyone connected to Storm.
"He will always be regarded as one of our very best.
"We wish him, Maddie and Freddie all the best with the remainder of his NRL career."
Finucane said he would always be grateful for the opportunities Storm had given him.
"I’ve been here seven years, played with some great players, enjoyed some success and had the chance to be coached by Craig, one of the best coaches in the history of the game," Finucane said.
"I’m going to miss the people here, the friendships I’ve made and the way the club is.
"It’s hard to put it into words how much Storm means to me.
"I’m honoured to have had the chance to experience this club, what it stands for, and I’ll always look fondly on my time here.
"A big thanks goes to everyone I played with, Craig, Frank and all the coaching staff, as well as the behind scenes crew at Storm.
"My big hope is that we can get back to AAMI Park and play in front of our members and fans who haven’t had much of an opportunity to see us over the past two years.
"I believe our members and fans are the best supporters in the comp and that view has only grown with the way they’ve stuck by us in record numbers during 2020 and 2021.
"Hopefully we can finish this season on a high."
