Cronulla’s Dale Finucane retires after repeated head knocks

A Cronulla star has added to a growing list of footballers that have been forced to hang up the boots early on the back of medical advice.

Dale Finucane has been forced into retirement. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Cronulla Sharks co-captain Dale Finucane has been forced in to “premature” retirement as he recovers from a serious facial injury.

Finucane’s retirement is effective immediately ending a 251-game NRL career which has included two premierships and earned him a reputation as one of the toughest and hardest-working players of his era.

The dual-premiership winner is contracted at the Sharks until the end of 2025 but has been limited by injuries in recent times.

The 32-year-old has been battling with injuries in recent seasons and is currently out after suffering a facial fracture back in Round 3. He also missed half of the 2023 season with a bicep injury.

Time is up on Finucane’s career. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

“Dale is a revered leader and will always hold a special place in our history as Shark #549. His passion and dedication are the stuff of legend,” Cronulla CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.

“Whilst no longer playing, he won’t be lost to the Sharks. Dale will take up a role working with the club in various capacities.

“It’s a premature end to a stellar playing career, but we congratulate Dale on his plethora of achievements and wish him, his wife Maddie and children Freddy and Tommy all the very best in their next chapter.”

After an illustrious NRL career spanning 13 seasons, Sharks co-captain Dale Finucane has today announced his retirement, effective immediately.https://t.co/uZhhOZItfF

— Cronulla Sharks (@cronullasharks) April 23, 2024

It’s understood Finucane has been given medical advice to retire due to repeated head knocks.

Finucane has played with the Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm and most recently the Sharks, playing five State of Origin games for NSW.

He also played in six grand finals, winning two with the Storm.

He debuted with the Bulldogs in 2021, playing three seasons there before linking up with the Storm in 2015.

Finucane joined the Sharks in 2022 on a four-year-deal, but will leave that deal early.