HULL KR have confirmed Aussie Cory Paterson has asked for an early release from his contract – whilst the club has also rejected a 'big money' offer for captain Michael Dobson from Salford.
Paterson, who joined on a two-year-deal ahead of this year, is to head home to the NRL at the end of this season, having asked for a release on 'compassionate grounds', chairman Neil Hudgell admitted.
Dobson, who has another year on his deal at MS3 Craven Park, but has a release clause allowing him to sign for an NRL side, could also be set to leave the club.
Hudgell revealed he had been subject to a 'big money' offer from Salford which had been rejected, with Rovers hoping he will sign a new deal to stay on longer.
However, the KR chairman admitted that should Dobson be unwilling to commit long-term to the Robins, any future offer would have to be seriously considered.
"Cory has asked for a release on compassionate grounds. He wants to go back to Australia to be with his family, " said Hudgell, who hopes the club has identified a suitable replacement.
"We're expecting to make an early decision on Cory's situation. We're very sympathetic towards his position but ultimately we have the club's interests to look after and we'll assess the situation on an ongoing basis. Family always has to come first and ultimately, whether it be for good reasons or bad reasons, if a player doesn't want to be here, we're not going to stand in their way."
On Dobson, Hudgell admitted that Salford have had a bid turned down, and that the club hope to discuss a new contract with him.
"Michael is very intrinsic to what we're trying to do going forward but the reality is that he has ambitions to play in the NRL again," Hudgell added.
"He has a release clause in his contract which he would need to effect in the next week and I'll be sitting down with him later this week.
"I'm also in regular contact with his agent and we should have an update on the situation fairly soon.
"If Michael doesn't exercise the NRL release clause then I'll be speaking to him about extending his contract beyond the end of next season.
"As a club, we're not going to let the situation that we had with Scott Taylor recur with Michael or any of our leading players.
"I'd expect to try and agree a new deal with him during the course of this season and if that doesn't happen then we'll explore other options.
"Like I've already said, Michael is an ambitious player and he's given us five years' service.
"We agreed the option clause for the end of this season just to reflect the fact that we're grateful for his contribution to the club during the past five years.
"There are always rumours about him, not just in Australia, but also in this country as well.
"We've had a big money offer from Salford for Michael which we've turned down.
"It may be that they come back knocking on our door again in the future and it may be that ourselves as a club, and Michael, have to consider that depending on how circumstances unravel.
"It's a short career and players have to do what's best for themselves. Michael will assess his own ambitions and determine the future career decisions he makes based upon that."
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