Hull FC's Tongan forward Sam Moa will leave the club at the end of the season after signing a two-year deal with the Sydney Roosters.
Tongan forward returning to NRL
Hull FC's Tongan forward Sam Moa will leave the club at the end of the season after signing a two-year deal with the Sydney Roosters.
The Black and Whites were keen to secure the 25-year-old on fresh terms, but he has opted to return to Australia for family reasons.
Moa has thoroughly enjoyed his four-year spell in East Yorkshire and is indebted to the club for helping him develop.
Special time
"I have had a really special time with Hull and enjoyed every minute of it, not only around the club and with the team but meeting so many people around the city too, so I'm thankful for that," he told the club's
official website.
"The club and the fans have been great to me, Hull FC gave me an opportunity four years ago and I wouldn't be in this position now if it wasn't for them, the coaching staff and the players I have had around me.
"However, the good times in life bring with it some tough decisions. With my family moving back to Australia last year it was a tough call to stay in Hull for another year, but it was one I was keen to do.
"Now though the time feels right to go back, I need to be closer to my partner and around my family so it's a move I make with the best wishes and with fond memories of the club."
Chance
Moa is currently sidelined with an arm injury, although coach Peter Gentle believes there is an outside chance he could play again this season.
"You never know, Sam might still make it back in time to play again this year should we have a decent run in the finals, but if he doesn't, he knows he has still had a great career with Hull FC and played his part," commented Gentle.
"He is a popular player and a big part of the club, on and off the field, so he'll be missed I'm sure.
"We made him a significant offer to stay with us, which he gave plenty of consideration too, however, he has decided the time is right to head home and we understand the rationale behind that."
