Thursday 25th February 10

Australian half-back Brett Finch will be in the “shop window” when he plays for Melbourne Storm against Leeds Rhinos in Sunday’s Gillette World Club Challenge at Elland Road.

The 28-year-old former Canberra, Sydney Roosters and Parramatta player is out of contract with the NRL champions this year and has signalled his intention to play out his career in the Engage Super League.

“I’m off contract with Melbourne and I understand the position they’re in with the salary cap,” said Finch, who was snapped up by the Storm after being released by the Eels at the start of last season.

“I always wanted to come over at some stage in my career. I haven’t spoken to anyone yet, I’ve been concentrating on Sunday.

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt if I have a good game so hopefully our big boys up front can roll forward and give me a platform to work off.”

Finch, who made three State of Origin appearances for New South Wales, will be appearing in his second Gillette World Club Challenge after being part of the Roosters side which hammered St Helens 38-0 at Bolton in 2003.

He made his debut for the Sydney outfit in that match and admits that victory on Sunday would be even more special, having been a member of Melbourne’s Grand-Final winning side.

“To win one was fantastic and to get the opportunity to come back over towards the back end of my career is a bonus,” he said.

“You realise how hard it is to get one and what a pleasure it is to come over and take on the Super League champions.

“Obviously your Grand Final is the pinnacle but, once you win that, you certainly want to be crowned world champions.”

Finch will be a key figure at Elland Road following the loss of his half-back partner Cooper Cronk through injury, and the odds are stacked in favour of the Engage Super League champions.

In addition to having home advantage, Leeds Rhinos are battle-hardened after four Engage Super League matches but Finch says Melbourne will not be making excuses if they lose on Sunday.

“It’s our first hit-out, which will probably be tough,” he said. “Leeds have an advantage, having played a few games together.

“But that’s always been the case for the Australian teams. It’s not an excuse. We knew what we were dealing with coming in.

“We’ve trained really hard so hopefully we’ll have done enough to put in a good performance on Sunday.

“Whether I’m wearing seven or six, there’s not too much difference these days. I’ll play my part in organising duties and the kicking game.

“Losing Cooper, my responsiblity goes up a bit because he did so much of that last year.”