MICKEY Paea has rejected the offer to stay on at Hull KR next season as he weighs up 'multiple offers' from rival Super League clubs.
The Robins had hoped to hold on to the Tongan powerhouse after establishing himself as one of Super League's stand-out forwards this season.
However, the 27-year-old, who has been free to talk to other clubs since the start of last month, has this week told KR he will definitely leave at the end of the season.
It comes as his agent, Darryl Mather, told the Mail he has 'multiple offers' from rival Super League clubs.
A move back to Australia is the preferred option for the former Sydney, St George and Canterbury star, although it is not known if any firm offers have been made.
Mather would not comment on the specific Super League offers, although Hull FC are believed to be in pursuit along with league-leaders Wigan and his brother Lopini's side, Catalan, who are looking to replace Remi Casty.
With a relatively young and inexperienced pack, FC coach Peter Gentle is in the market for an established powerful prop to replace the retiring Mark O'Meley next season.
And with money being freed up on the cap with the departures of Tom Briscoe, Ben Galea and Danny Tickle, Hull could make an offer to make Paea seriously consider remaining in the UK.
Despite saying Paea had enjoyed being at MS3 Craven Park, Mather said it was clear the time was right for him to move on.
"Mickey has enjoyed his time at Hull KR and he respects the club fully, and that is why we have put them in the picture and told them he will definitely be leaving," Mather said.
"We have told the club, politely but firmly, so to draw a line in the sand and let them plan for next season, that Mickey will not be there.
"The situation is that Mickey has multiple offers from Super League clubs to consider and, given his form this season, that was only to be expected.
"I won't comment on any specific offers, and we don't know where he will play at present. The plan is for Mickey to come home at the end of the season and weigh up his options."
Mather makes no secret of his belief that Paea should be plying his trade back in the NRL, where he says players are not only playing at the elite level, but also have greater long-term security.
"The fact is, players have great security when they are in the NRL, it's a massive sport over here, not a minor sport," he added.
"It is a much more stable environment for players, and given all that has gone on at Hull KR this season, and all the uncertainty around the club, Mickey felt he needed a fresh start."
Despite knowing his future now lies elsewhere, Mather says Paea's honesty and integrity will ensure he maintains his level of performance until the end of the season.
"Fans can rest assured that Mickey will be giving his all between now and the end of the season, he wants to prove value for money right until the end," he said.
"The reality is, Mickey is an NRL star playing in Super League.
"He was a marquee signing at the time when he joined KR, and chief executive Mike Smith did a good deal for the club as he should have been joining a team higher up the ladder. It is time for him to move on now though."
