What’s the Buzz: Brett Finch angered over rehab reports, Smith decides future

Former NRL star Brett Finch has trashed reports he recently spent time in a rehab centre over mental health issues, meanwhile close friend Cameron Smith has decided his future in the game.

Elli Johnston, Barbara Smith, Cameron Smith, Mackenzie Grace Finch, Brett Finch.

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Brett Finch has opened up about his recent health battles but furiously denied he was recently admitted to a rehab centre.

The Fox Sports commentator was in Melbourne last week and showed off his new baby girl, Mackenzie Grace, to former Storm teammate Cameron Smith and his wife Barbara.

“We were really proud to show Cameron,” Finch said.

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Elli Johnston, Barbara Smith, Cameron Smith, Mackenzie Grace Finch, Brett Finch.

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His wife Elli wrote on Instagram: “We love the Smiths. Always guaranteed a good ole belly laugh.”

However, Finch is still angry over recent reports he was in rehab after being helped off a plane at the Gold Coast in a disorientated state with a bleeding nose.

“My health’s fine and I haven’t been into any rehab,” Finch said. “It’s absolute crap.

“All you had to do was look at my wife’s Instagram — we were on holidays at Byron Bay.

“What are my employers supposed to think when this stuff gets reported? It’s wrong.

“I’ve been to rehab three times before and I’ve always spoken about it openly.”

Finch denied reports he was recently in rehab. Picture: Mark Stewart

Your columnist pointed out to Finch that many in rugby league were still concerned for his wellbeing.

His employers Fox Sports want to stand by him but need him to be healthy.

Finch said he was ill prior to the Gold Coast flight and suffering from a lack of sleep.

“I slept all the way and woke up disorientated,” he said. “Everyone thinks the worst because of my past. When I got off that plane I went and had lunch with (Storm coach) Craig Bellamy.

“Ask him what I was like. I had a rest and felt fine.”

Cameron Smith will play on next season. Picture: Scott Barbour

SMITH’S STUNNING CAREER TO CONTINUE

Cameron Smith has abandoned retirement plans and will shortly announce his decision to play on at Melbourne Storm in 2020.

He has recovered from the disappointment of Storm’s finals failure and desperately wants another crack at a title before his retirement.

After a year of controversy in which he was heavily criticised despite becoming the first player to play 400 games, Smith had been considering his options.

Coach Craig Bellamy revealed he had spoken of quitting at the team’s Mad Monday drinks.

With Smith confirming he will play on, Storm is also hopeful of killing off rumours that Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr wants out from the last two years of his contract.

We are told Addo-Carr is not happy with his $350,000 and has been sounded out by Sydney clubs willing to pay him $500,000-a-year.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Brett Finch angered over rehab reports, Smith decides future