NRL 2023: Former Storm hooker Haele Finau wants Dragons No.9 jersey after Andrew McCullough retirement

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a battle for the No.9 jersey at the Dragons and a former Melbourne Storm rookie is gunning for a round one spot.

DAILY TELEGRAPH 16TH NOVEMBER Pictured in Sydney is new Saint George Dragons NRL team new recruit Haele Finau. HeÕs been recruited with his brother Sione. They come from a family of 11 children from Victoria. Picture: Richard Dobson

Andrew McCullough’s retirement has sparked a hooking duel at St George Illawarra and the club’s newest dummy half, Haele Finau, is gunning for a round-one spot.

The former Melbourne hooker has joined the Dragons as a package deal with younger brother Sione, a rising winger who is part of the development squad.

Haele signed a full-time training deal but is expected to join the top 30 after impressing coaching staff less than two weeks into pre-season.

HOOKING DUEL

Haele is set to battle fellow new recruit and former Wests Tiger Jacob Liddle for the No.9 jumper vacated by McCullough in Wollongong.

Coach Anthony Griffin also has options in Moses Mbye and potentially Jayden Sullivan.

But Dragons fans will get their first glimpse of Haele in February’s trial matches against St Helens and in the Charity Shield against South Sydney.

“Hook wants us to play NRL, he said ‘you’re here for a reason’,” Haele said.

“Even if McCullough was still there, it hasn’t changed anything. I have that hungry mindset, I want to push.

“I know the opportunity is there and I’ll do everything I can to take it. Obviously, Liddle is there too. I‘m not trying to compare myself to Liddle and his experience. We’ve been helping each other, but pushing each other.

“We both want the same spot.”

New Dragons recruits Sione Finau and Haele Finau, brothers from a family of 11 children from Victoria. Picture: Richard Dobson

RARE PRODUCTS

The brothers are a rare commodity in rugby league as Storm juniors. But despite coming through the renowned system, moving on from Melbourne was Haele’s best shot at playing in the NRL.

At one point the 22-year old was stuck behind Cameron Smith, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant.

“I had to think about what’s better for me, at one point I was four behind (a starting spot). So signing with the Dragons gave me better opportunities,” Haele said.

But as an apprentice to the Storm duo, Haele brings a wealth of knowledge to the Dragons.

“It was those extras after training, honing your craft. I wanted to get any information from those guys because they were the best,” Haele said.

“Harry was really good at helping develop my passing and running game.

“I still watch Harry closely and the decisions he makes, like when to run or not.”

Dragons brothers Sione and Haele Finau

SPINE CONNECTION

With Ben Hunt a lock at halfback, the other spine positions are set to be hotly contested. Tyrell Sloan, 20, and Cody Ramsey, 22, are vying for the fullback spot, while Talatua Amone, 20 and Sullivan, 21, are gunning for a chance in the halves.

But after Sloan and Sullivan withdraw their respective requests for a release, Haele can see the foundations of a long-term spine combination taking shape.

“We got along straight away, the first time we met those boys. Sloaney came straight up to us. We already have that bond,” Haele said.

“We catch up on the weekend. I can see us forming a long-term spine combination, we got on so well and it’s only been a week. It’s all about connecting.”

TOUGH LOVE

Craig Bellamy might be notorious for his gruelling pre-seasons but the brothers have found no respite in Wollongong with specialist coach Jamie Soward pushing the boys to their limit.

“I’d just met him, it’s the first day and he’s like giving it to us,” Haele said.

“When we’re tired, he’s like ‘this is where you want to be’. He pushes us hard.

“Every little thing, he’s at me. Passes behind, he’ll yell at me.

“But I know he wants us to make it so that means a lot to us.”

Haele Finau in action for Storm feeder side Brisbane Tigers.

LONG GAME

Winger Sione is eligible for Jersey Flegg but wants to hold down a place in the Dragons NSW Cup side next season.

The 20-year old worked closely with Justin Olam while at the Storm but is trying to model his game on powerhouse Penrith winger Brian To’o.

“There’s a lot of competition in the outside backs. But I’m trying to get to that top 30 spot,” Sione said.

“My game is still growing but To’o is someone I look to emulate … his runs from the back are so strong and he makes a lot of metres. That is an attribute I admire. I like taking carries from the back end.”

Sione Finau (left) is vying for an upgrade into the top 30.

NEXT GEN

Sione is part of a rising crop of players in Wollongong eager to make their mark over the summer. Already, one youngster, Alexander Lobb is turning heads.

“Lobby, he’s a winger. When we’re running he’s already in front. He is so quick and fit. He’s showing up all the NRL players,” Sione laughed.

“He’s been flying through the conditioning sessions.

Even in the gym, the winger is leading the way.

“He‘s set the standard, even in the gym. He lifts heaps. He’s a big boy. He was squatting 110 kilograms, real low, in the warm up. I’m thinking ‘Is he even a winger?’,” Haele laughed.

FAMILY TIES

While Haele is closer to a debut than Sione, the brothers, who were two of 11 siblings, want to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the same NRL side.

“It was never boring at home with that many kids, there was always someone to talk to,” Sione laughed.

“The house was always clean.

“We’ll need a lot of tickets, we’ve already warned the club ‘I’ve got a big family,” Haele interjected.

“We’d love to be out there together at the Dragons. That would be the dream.”