Keal Carlile released by Hull KR
Hull KR have released hooker Keal Carlile from his contract at the club, with immediate effect.
The 24-year-old wants to leave the club in order to boost his chances of playing regular first-team rugby.
The acquisition of French international John Boudebza in the close-season, plus the recent arrival of Shaun Lunt on loan at the Robins, means that Carlile’s opportunities look limited at the KC Lightstream Stadium.
“I was out of contract at the end of the season and I didn’t want to be sat in the stands. I want to be playing every week and putting myself in the shop window,” Carlile told Rovers’ official website.
“I’ve got a young family to think about and although everything has happened so fast, the time felt right to move onto the next chapter in my career.
“I’m at a stage where I need to be playing regular first team rugby and hopefully I can go on and do that.
“I’ve really enjoyed my three and a half years with Rovers and I leave on good terms. There are no hard feelings and I’d like to thank everybody at the club for everything they have done for me, particularly Mike Smith for the way things have been handled over the past few days.
“I’d also like to thank the supporters who have been great with me since I arrived at the club. It’s been great to play in front of them for the past few years and I’m sure I’ll be back here at some point to cheer on the lads.”
Rovers coach Chris Chester wished Carlile all the best in his future career.
“I sat down with Keal after we brought Shaun Lunt into the club on loan last week and we had an honest conversation,” he said.
“He’s waited patiently for his chance behind the likes of Josh Hodgson over the past few years but he needs to be playing week in, week out to continue his development and he understood that we weren’t in a position to guarantee him that moving forward.
“As you’d expect from Keal, he’s been a true professional with the way he’s conducted himself. He’s been a great bloke to work with and he leaves with our best wishes for the future.”