Radford backs Paea to shine in NRL

Hull FC coach Lee Radford is disappointed to be losing prop forward Mickey Paea at the end of the season, but has backed the prop to be a hit Down Under.

The Black and Whites confirmed on Tuesday that the player would be leaving to head back to Australia at the end of the current campaign.

“We’re obviously disappointed to lose Mickey at the end of the year as he is a terrific player and an even better person,” Radford told his club’s official website.

“He is respected by everyone at the club and a great player to have around the camp, but we all understand his reasoning for wanting to return home and have another shot at the NRL, especially after some eye catching performances this season.

“We made every effort to keep him and put a significant financial offer on the table and to his credit he looked likely to commit his future to us hadn’t an opportunity of this nature arisen in Australia, which might not come around again.

“We have seen what Sam Moa brought to the club and then managed to achieve when he went back to the NRL and I’m sure Mickey will do exactly the same. It is pleasing to know he has come on as a player during his time with us at Hull FC.

“We know it wasn’t an easy decision for him, but we all wish him the best of luck on his return and I know he is extremely focused on seeing out the season on a high with us here and hopefully playing his part in a strong run in both the league and cup.”