Justin Carney to leave Hull KR

James Gordon

Hull KR winger Justin Carney will leave the club at the end of the season and return to Australia.

Carney, 30, has spent six seasons in Super League with the Robins, Salford and Castleford, and has made the decision to go back Down Under to be closer to his two children.

He told the club’s official website: “I’ve had enough now and I need to be back near my kids. At this point in time, that’s the best thing for me mentally. It’s been a hard decision but a decision I made off my own back and following a lot of discussion with the people around me.

“It’s a tough situation to be away from my kids for so long. I’ve always put my best foot forward but I think it’s time for me to quit now. Being closer to my kids is the biggest thing for me and being a good role model for them where they can physically see me a lot more than now.

“I’ve had a good time here in the UK, I’ve enjoyed most of it but I think it’s the right time to step down from professional rugby league.

“I’ve got four games left and I’m just going to go out there and do my job. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can relax now.”

Carney played in the NRL for Sydney Roosters and Canberra before moving to Castleford in 2013, scoring 72 tries in 67 appearances.