Hull FC forward Mickey Paea is set to leave the Black and Whites at the end of the 2015 season, with him likely to join an NRL team.
The Tongan international was set to sign an extension with the side unless an opportunity arose back in Australia, where Paea previously played for the Sydney Roosters, St George IIIawarra and the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. To everyone's surprise, Paea rejected the offer and will now be likely to return to the NRL.
On the announcement, the former Hull KR prop told Hull FC's official website: "I will be eternally grateful for the understanding the club have shown me over the last few months and would like to thank Adam, Lee and Motu for their unwavering support during this time.
"They have been open and honest with me throughout and made me a great offer to stay at the club, which I would have undoubtedly accepted had the circumstances have been right.
"However, they have known and understand that my family and I had aspirations to return home and for me as a player to test myself in the NRL again and have waited patiently for me to make my decision, without any added pressure.
"There is no doubt that the only other place I would have signed would have been Hull had I stayed in England. I love the club, the people here and would like to thank everyone who has made it such a great experience for me, including my team mates, the staff and the fans."
The Tongan international was set to sign an extension with the side unless an opportunity arose back in Australia, where Paea previously played for the Sydney Roosters, St George IIIawarra and the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. To everyone's surprise, Paea rejected the offer and will now be likely to return to the NRL.
On the announcement, the former Hull KR prop told Hull FC's official website: "I will be eternally grateful for the understanding the club have shown me over the last few months and would like to thank Adam, Lee and Motu for their unwavering support during this time.
"They have been open and honest with me throughout and made me a great offer to stay at the club, which I would have undoubtedly accepted had the circumstances have been right.
"However, they have known and understand that my family and I had aspirations to return home and for me as a player to test myself in the NRL again and have waited patiently for me to make my decision, without any added pressure.
"There is no doubt that the only other place I would have signed would have been Hull had I stayed in England. I love the club, the people here and would like to thank everyone who has made it such a great experience for me, including my team mates, the staff and the fans."