Finch speaks on Storm return

Brett Finch has spoken out on his decision to return to Melbourne, revealing he took a pay cut to re-join the NRL premiers.

Finch made his first appearance back in Storm colours this week when he joined the squad for pre-season training.

And speaking ahead of the session, 31-year-old Finch, who spent the last two seasons with Wigan in Super League, said it was “fantastic” to be back.

“The two years I spent previously here I had a great time and made friendships, so to be back involved with the club is fantastic,” he told the club’s official website.

A number of NRL clubs were reported to be chasing Finch’s signature but for the former Canberra, Sydney Roosters and Parramatta player, the Storm was his only choice.

“There was a few other offers but I thought if I was going to come back from England it was going to be back to Melbourne. Obviously careerwise there are better opportunities at other clubs in terms of the financial situation but I always wanted to be back part of the club.”

With Gareth Widdop firmly established at five-eighth for the Storm alongside Cooper Cronk, Finch’s role this time is less clear.

“I’m backup there to Gaz and Coops and I’m just happy to be part of the squad and hopefully I can contribute to the team somewhere in the season, so we’ll just see how it all pans out,” Finch said.

“It’s a different role to what I have experienced in the past – I will just be happy to contribute wherever the club sees fit.”