BRETT Finch has taken time off from his NRL commentary duties at Channel Nine and 2GB to undergo treatment for health issues.

The TV and radio stations have confirmed that Finch stood himself down from duties before last weekend’s round of football and is expected to be off-air for several weeks.

Finch’s manager Steve Gillisconfirmed the former State of Origin and premiership halfback had taken a break from work for medical reasons but would not go into further detail.

The Sunday Telegraph understands Finch is undergoing treatment in a rehab clinic that specialises in anxiety, depression, drugs and alcohol abuse.

The brave decision to get help has been encouraged by his friends.

Like a lot of high-profile sports stars, Finch has struggled adjusting to life in retirement.

His condition is believed to be similar to the problems that floored swimming champions Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackettand his great friend Andrew Johns after their retirement.

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media_camera Finch has stood himself down from commentary duties to seek help.

According to an overseas study, one in four footballers suffers mental health issues after retiring from their sport.

Finch was a notorious larrikin during his playing days and one of the most popular footballers in the NRL, renowned for his happy-go-lucky approach to the game and the good times off the field.

He mixed with the game’s glamour players and high-society mates and was best man at Anthony Minichiello’s celebrity wedding to Terry Biviano.

He also attended the wedding of his great friend and former teammate Luke Ricketson to Kate Waterhouse in Italy in 2012.

media_camera Roosters chairman Nick Politis.

Finch played for five clubs in his 330-game career — the Raiders, Roosters, Eels, Wigan Warriors and Melbourne Storm.

His career highlight was kicking the match-winning State of Origin field goal in 2006 after coming into the Blues side as a late replacement.

For help with emotional difficulties contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

THIS ROOSTER CROWS

ROOSTERS boss Nick Politis has had some memorable disagreements and disputes with the NRL hierarchy over the years. On Saturday at Allianz Stadium it was no different.

We spotted the passionate Roosters supremo exchanging heated words with the NRL’s Head of Football Todd Greenberg in the tunnel at Saturday’s game while the two teams were off the field during the rain break. Greenberg left to watch the second-half from the more comfortable surroundings of the Trust suite.

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EELS ELECTIONS

PARRAMATTA’S old bossDenis Fitzgeraldhas had an application to stand for the Eels board at the elections rejected on the grounds of alleged misconduct as a former employee.

He is legally challenging the decision and could apply for a Supreme Court injunction as early as tomorrow to prevent the election from going ahead.

Fitzgerald points out he was paid a redundancy and was not sacked when he left the Eels six years ago.