Brett Finch and Jason Ryles last of the old breed

BRETT Finch and Jason Ryles recall what the game was like before the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and ice baths.

Brett-Finch

THEY don’t make them like Brett Finch and Jason Ryles anymore.

The two retiring Melbourne Storm veterans, who made their first grade debuts in 1999 and 2000 respectively, smile when they recall what the game was like before the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and ice baths. 

"After games you would have six beers in the sheds before you left the ground," Finch said.

"There were no ice baths - you might just jump in the pool or have a quick dip at the beach the next day."

It is not just the shift towards sports science that has changed over the journey, but also the size of the players they find themselves up against every week. 

The two veterans both agree they are getting bigger every year.

It is why Finch, currently sporting numerous stitches on his face, is not lying when he says he is just trying to get out of the game in one piece. 

Ryles predicts the game will continue to evolve.

"It's hard to believe it will probably change again in next 10 to 15 years," Ryles said.

"From when I started, the jerseys were bigger and the player weren’t as big as they are now.

"Everyone is bigger, fitter, faster and stronger."

It seems everyone has a favourite Brett Finch story, even Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

In his book Home Truths, Bellamy credited Finch for keeping the morale up in 2010 following the salary cap scandal when Storm were made to play through the season for no points. 

"In Canberra, some bloke waved a $20 note in front of his face, so Finchy grabbed it and kept it," Bellamy writes.

"The bloke was not too happy. 

"Finchy was really important to us during that time."

The popular Finch, who rates the 2009 grand final win as his greatest football memory, is well known as a larrikin who enjoys a beer. 

But he insists that is not all of who he is.

"I certainly don’t want that to overshadow how hard I have worked,” Finch said.

"I've never been pulled up on the fact I enjoy a beer by any coach because they know how hard I work, not only during training but on my days off." 

The 34-year-old, Ryles, has played for St George, Sydney Roosters and Melbourne along with a stint in France, has done nearly everything in rugby league. 

The prop represented New South Wales and Australia and played in Storm’s World Club Challenge win this year.

Only a NRL premiership remains.

It was cruelly denied last year when Ryles strained his hamstring during the finals series and missed the grand final win.

Ryles will get one final chance to score that elusive premiership ring in the coming weeks.

"That would be the perfect way to finish up," he said.

"I watched Jaiman Lowe do it last year and I was so happy for him. 

"It would be a wonderful way to finish, but in the little bubble of footy you can't look too far ahead."

With five-eighth Gareth Widdop now considered a good chance to return to the first grade side, Finch may not get the opportunity to finish his career as part of Storm’s finals outfit. 

If that is how it plays out, Finch will still walk away with no regrets and a tonne of good memories.

"I know within myself I’m proud of what I have done," he said.

"If I'm remembered as someone who gave his best and was a good bloke to hang around with then I'll take that.

"And also as someone who was a mate away from footy, because footy is only a small part of your life."