NRL: Finch, Smith names in frame for halfback

Brett Finch is an option for the Warriors in 2010. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors have trained their sights on Brett Finch and Tim Smith in the search for an experienced halfback for 2010.

Stacey Jones remains an option and is being seriously considered but the club have signalled they want an experienced halfback and Finch and Smith have been added to their shortlist.

The Warriors have a number of young halves coming through the ranks, including Shaun Johnson and Isaac John as well as Aaron Heremaia.

But there are doubts over their readiness and it's expected one of Jones, Finch or Smith will be pulling the strings at Mt Smart Stadium next season.

Finch joined Melbourne on a one-year contract earlier this season after the Eels surprisingly released him, despite having three years left to run on a deal reportedly worth $1 million.

The Storm announced recently he wouldn't be re-signed and the 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the UK Super League.

He's had a chequered history. He was also released from the Roosters early so he could move to the Eels but he has played two State of Origin games for NSW in 2004 and 2006 and he has also amassed 220 NRL games.

Smith has had an even more diverse background.

The 24-year-old was touted as a future star and the most naturally gifted half in the competition when he won the 2005 Dally M Rookie of the Year award.

But later that year allegations surfaced of him being involved in a scuffle and in 2007 Smith was suspended by the Eels after another drunken incident. He booked himself into a rehabilitation centre and early in 2008 announced he suffered from bipolar disorder and that he was taking a break from the game.

He joined Wigan midway through 2008 but is said to be keen on a return to the NRL, which piqued the interest of many clubs including the Warriors.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah declined to talk about who was on their wishlist but did say: "We still have an open mind about Stacey Jones but his wish was to focus on his football and we haven't entered into talks. But at the same time we are considering other experienced players in the NRL."

Meanwhile, a proposed player swap involving hooker Nathan Fien and Dragons centre Chase Stanley is looking increasingly unlikely.

The Warriors have been caught short at centre with the season-ending knee injury to Brent Tate and disappearance of Sonny Fai.

Fien is out of favour, having been dropped to play for the Auckland Vulcans, and he is due to join Wayne Bennett at the Dragons on a three-year deal next season.