Kris Keating to return to Australia

Hull Kingston Rovers have reached an agreement with Kris Keating to release the half back from his contract with the club and allow him to return to Australia.

The playmaker joined the Robins from Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year contract at the start of the season but has struggled to settle in East Yorkshire for family reasons.

Keating has now been released from his contract at the KC Lightstream Stadium with immediate effect and is free to pursue opportunities in the NRL, whilst the club have already begun the process of recruiting a replacement.

Speaking to www.hullkr.co.uk, the club's chief executive Mike Smith said: "Kris was unsettled and wanted to return home at the end of the season.

"He didn't figure in head coach Chris Chester's long-term plans and an agreement has therefore been reached to allow him to go back to Australia.

"I'd like to thank Kris for all his efforts with the club this year and we wish him all the best for the future.

"We have been planning for next season with this possibility in mind and the process of bringing in a replacement for Kris for 2015 and beyond has already been started. We hope to have some news on this for our supporters in the near future."

A former Australian Schoolboys international, Keating played for both Canterbury and the Parramatta Eels in the NRL before joining the Robins and has made 24 appearances for the club this season, scoring five tries.