THE YEAR THAT WAS | Dale Finucane

Matt Buxton

NSW’s warrior, Dale Finucane was selected to make his long-awaited State of Origin debut in Game II of the 2019 series.

He was no stranger to big game experience given he had played in a massive five Grand Finals already. Finucane’s time was now and as he did for the Melbourne Storm all year, he impressed for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues. 

Season Highlight

Round 15 v Sydney Roosters – W 14-12

 It’s hard to differentiate the performances of Dale Finucane throughout the season given he pumps out outstanding numbers each and every week.

At the top of the pile however, was his workhorse performance against the Sydney Roosters in their tough and important 14-12 victory.

In the 65 minutes he played in the middle, Finucane made 194 metres with the ball and made 40 tackles.

This came just five days after his State of Origin debut in Perth.

Representative Highlight

State of Origin Game III – 26-20 W

Alike his season for the Melbourne Storm, it was hard to separate Finucane’s two State of Origin performances.

He started in his debut, but his numbers off the bench were slightly better in the decider; not to mention the game was a lot tougher and the series was won that day.

Finucane played 39 minutes in Game III, ran for 120 metres, made 24 tackles, but most importantly, lifted the shield at the end of the match.

Off-field Highlight

Duet with Guy Sebastian

Behind Finucane’s tough exterior is his hidden talent of singing.

If being picked to debut for his state wasn’t enough, he had the pleasure of singing with Guy Sebastian when he made a cameo in the third camp at Bondi Beach.

It went viral.