What’s the Buzz: Fox Sports saves Brett Finch’s media career

WHAT’S THE BUZZ (PART 1): Channel 9 and 2GB cut ties with him but Fox Sports has come to the rescue of ex-NRL star Brett Finch.

Chris Page, Brett Finch and James “The Professor” Rochford will be starring in a new show on Fox Sports. Photo: Bob Barker.

FOX Sports has saved the media career of troubled former star Brett Finch.

Channel 9 and 2GB cut ties with Finch last year when he went off the rails and often didn’t turn up for work.

It was Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley who originally gave Finch his start at Channel 9.

“I love the guy,” Crawley said. “And he’s a good talent on TV. Finchy’s had his problems but he’s getting the right help and we’re looking forward to having him back on air.”

Finch will appear on a new show hosted by James“The Professor” Rochford on Fox Sports’ new 24-hour rugby league channel.

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Chris Page, Brett Finch and James “The Professor” Rochford will be starring in a new show on Fox Sports. Photo: Bob Barker.

The show, called The Professor’s Second-Year Syndrome, goes to air on Fridays at 10pm after the two footy games. The Professor was the breakout star from the Monday Night with Matty Johns show last year, poking harmless fun at the game, clubs and players we all love.

The Professor will be joined by Finch, Triple M’s Chris Page and special guests each week.

Spate of deaths spark new mental health initiative

IN a wonderful initiative in Group 21 country rugby league, every coach from juniors to first grade will be asked to undertake a mental health first aid course this season.

It comes after a number of deaths in the Scone area and a very special campaign launched by Where There’s A Will, named in honour of a local footballer who took his own life on Christmas Day, 2015.

Will Carrigan.

Will Carrigan was just 24 years of age. It was a tragedy but it now has the potential to save the lives of others like Will who couldn’t cope with his secret and silent struggles.

Coaches will be prepared and trained to recognise the signs and symptoms, and how to talk to and treat players.

And if there are any concerns, to raise them with the appropriate support professionals.

“Our entire community was rocked by Will’s death,” said Scott Pennell, who is the driving force behind the initiative.

“Nobody saw it coming. Now the foundation set up by his family is giving us all an opportunity to develop skills that will help the boys we’re coaching and give us practical tips on how to help those facing the challenges of mental illness.”

The Where There’s a Will Foundation will live stream a beginner’s guide to mental health first aid at 7.30pm this Wednesday, February 15 via its Facebook page (facebook.com/uhwheretheresawill). Make time to watch it, it might just help you save a life!

Steve Matain to get payout over claims he had his phone confiscated. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Matai defamation result

RETIRING Manly centre Steve Matai has settled a defamation payout of almost $50,000 from Channel 7 over a report last year that wrongly stated he had his mobile phone confiscated by federal police as part of match-fixing investigations. The network also had to pay Matai’s legal costs.

Josh deal hitch

ST GEORGE Illawarra are at long odds to retain utility star Josh Dugan, who is demanding a new five-year deal worth $5.5 million. The Dragons are understood to have tabled a three-year offer for about $700k per season.

The Dragons see Dugan as a first-class centre but will not pay what champion fullbacks command. Unless either party gives ground, you can take it to the bank the 26-year-old will leave at the end of the season.