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The Mercury: Finch faces sack as No.7 [20jun06]


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Finch faces sack as No.7

20jun06

SYDNEY Roosters coach Ricky Stuart is poised to take the No.7 jersey off NSW halfback Brett Finch in a desperate move to rescue the club's season.

The struggling Roosters are fourth last on the table and must win this Sunday against Canberra to keep their finals hopes alive.

Being moved to hooker for his club side would be a major personal blow for Finch, who is battling to retain his NSW halfback spot for the Origin decider in Melbourne on July 5.

When contacted last night Stuart would not confirm the changes but The Daily Telegraph understands he is considering:

  • Naming Finch at hooker and promoting Premier League half Jamie Soward.
  • Playing Ryan Cross on the wing.
  • Moving Craig Wing to the centres.
  • Dropping winger Vince Mellars.

    Stuart was irritated that mooted changes had been leaked to The Daily Telegraph.


    "Some may be right but the so-called anonymous caller has given you information that is only half right," Stuart said.

    Finch started the season in the No.9 jersey for the Roosters before returning to his specialist halfback position.

    His career highlight came on May 24 when he was thrust into the Blues team at the last minute and proved a matchwinner, kicking the decisive field goal.

    Aware of the importance of Sunday's game against the Raiders, Stuart will take his side to Canberra early this week to go into camp.

    There is still a possibility Stuart could name the players in their regular positions before switching them on game day.

    The Roosters will this week meet to decide the future of veteran second rower Craig Fitzgibbon. It is understood the club will offer Fitzgibbon a new one-year deal.

    Fitzgibbon has been linked to the Gold Coast, who yesterday signed Melbourne's rising star Steve Turner to a three-year deal.

    Sources indicate Melbourne teammate Jake Webster may follow Turner to the Titans.

    Turner, 21, played alongside current Titans football manager Scott Sattler at Penrith during their 2003 NRL premiership season, making his first-grade debut a year earlier at just 17.

    He is the Titans' 15th player signing. "I was with him at Penrith and so was (Titans coach) John Cartwright," Sattler said.

    Webster, a New Zealand Test player, is also keen to move to the Gold Coast.



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