Hot on the heels of his double against Widnes, former NRL five-eighth Brett Finch admits his future is still up in the air as Wigan prepare to welcome financially-stricken Bradford in Super League action on Friday.
The 30-year-old revealed at the start of the month that he intends to return to Australia when his current deal with the Warriors expires at the end of the season but has refused to confirm if he will play in the NRL again.
Off-field commitments have Finch, who played for Canberra, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta and Melbourne, contemplating retirement. But he insists they won’t dampen his desire to reach the Super League grand final in October.
And with Wigan currently on a 13-game winning streak in all competitions and sitting three points clear at the top, Finch sees no reason why he won’t be lining up at Old Trafford for the showpiece season finale.
Finch though, who bagged two tries as the Warriors beat basement boys Widnes 54-12 on Monday, has warned his teammates not to take their foot off the gas against Bradford, who this week announced they have entered administration.
“I think Bradford have been really good this year considering the circumstances, they’ve done a great job,” said Finch.
“The tougher the situation the better they have played.
“I’m sure it plays on your mind if you’re not sure about being paid. It’s hard enough to play without those distractions that go on outside of the field.
“We’ve had a good season up to now at Wigan and for me personally I feel I’m playing well. I haven’t made a decision on my future yet, I’m moving back to Australia at the end of the season but I’ve not decided if it’s in football yet.
“Obviously the NRL is something I’m looking at, but I’m in no rush, I’m fully focused on Wigan at the moment and my future will take care of itself.”
Meanwhile, Warrington’s Michael Monaghan has distanced himself from a starting berth for the Exiles in the second International Origin Series match against England on July 4 after returning from a three-month injury lay-off against Hull last weekend.
The former Manly hooker will continue his recovery against Salford City Reds on Friday, who themselves are reeling from the loss of ex-South Sydney forward Shannan McPherson for the remainder of the season.
“Playing for the Exiles is a possibility,” said Monaghan. “But I’ve got to take some precautions and look after myself. A midweek game probably wouldn’t be the best thing.
“It’s something I’ll discuss with the club and the Exiles coaches if I’m selected but the way my knees have been, it’s probably not the best thing to be doing.”
Elsewhere former Penrith fullback Nick Youngquest has announced he will retire at the end of the season while his Castleford teammate Rangi Chase has been suspended for an unspecified breach of club discipline ahead of the Tigers’ clash with Widnes on Monday.
A club statement read: “Castleford Tigers can confirm Rangi Chase has been suspended on full pay while the club investigates his actions last weekend.”