Wednesday wrap

Finch quits Eels

As LeagueUnlimited reported earlier today, Parramatta halfback Brett Finch requested to be released from the club - some say due to a fallout with coach Daniel Anderson.

There are mixed reports, one suggesting he wants to head to the UK immediately while another saying he wants to stay here in the NRL.

Finch has been released by Parramatta, although reports say that it was on the proviso that he would be heading to England.

27-year-old Finch made the request to be released last night.

Finch has been highly criticised for his role in Parramatta's poor start to the season.

Hagan weighs in on Hayne

Still on the Eels, and former Parramatta coach Michael Hagan, now columnist with News Ltd, has called Jarryd Hayne's move to five-eighth a "miserable failure," saying Hayne was "not a great communicator... not renowned for organising set plays."

"Daniel Anderson's bold move to switch one of the game's most exciting speedsters to five-eighth is just not working," Hagan said.

"I understand the coach wants him closer to the action to run the footy but at what cost to the function of the footy team?"

De Vere quits at the Broncos

Michael De Vere has told Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak that he has "lost the edge" and is struggling to balance playing football with his full-time job as a development officer.

The former Kangaroo made his NRL comeback against the Dragons last Friday after five years away from the Broncos - but he will not play again.

Sharks sign Donnelly

Some good news at last for Cronulla after picking up Titans prop Ian Donnelly.

Reports say that he will not be rushed into the side for this Saturday's game against the Raiders.

The signing comes while Ben Ross (neck) and fullback Brett Kearney (knee) sit out for the rest of the season, and captain Paul Gallen (2 games), winger Misi Taulapapa (1 game) and prop Kade Snowden (1 game) all miss games after copping suspensions from the judiciary. Luke Douglas escaped a charge after a high tackle at the weekend.

Cronulla have been labelled wooden spoon favourites now by TAB Sportsbet at $5.00.

Stewart's return: No miracles expected

Brett Stewart returns this week for Manly after serving his four-match ban and watching his side struggle to get a win so far this year.

But coach Des Hasler and captain Matt Orford have warned fans not to expect any miracles from the star fullback as he makes his comeback at Brookvale this Sunday.

"He is not the saviour - there are 16 other players taking part in the game as well," Hasler said.

"We're not expecting 'Snake' [Stewart] to go out and score four tries and be a match winner. He is going to be a huge confidence booster, but I'm not going to put any pressure on him whatsoever," Orford told Fairfax.

Tigers chief under pressure

The non-contracted chief executive at the Wests Tigers, Scott Longmuir, is reportedly feuding with coach Tim Sheens and does not have full board support according to News Ltd.

Longmuir was promoted from Marketing Manager to CEO last year after the departure of Steve Noyce. He declined to be signed to a contract initially because "he wanted to prove himself" the Telegraph says.

The board, along with Tim Sheens, is reportedly unhappy with Key Performance Indicators being inserted by the CEO and Chairman Kevin Hammond into the coach's contract. Longmuir is set to be dumped to resolve the dramas.