Thursday 31 August 2017 11:25, UK
Salford's Australian half-back Michael Dobson has confirmed that he is leaving the club.
The 31-year-old, who is currently sidelined with a thumb injury that needs surgery, is returning to Australia with his family
Dobson joined Salford from Newcastle Knights ahead of the 2015 campaign and this season captained the team for their first Challenge Cup semi-final for 20 years. He has also played in Super League for Catalans Dragons, Wigan and Hull KR.
He said: "I've been thinking about it for the last year and I've got a young family and it's time to take the family home.
"I've been here for 10 seasons now and we're just ready to go back, settle down and take a step back from full-time rugby league and move onto the next phase.
"I'm going to play a little bit semi-professionally back in Australia and working within another club trying to get my foot in the door within the realm of coaching and development.
"I've loved it over here and, I'll be honest, I never thought I'd be here this long but that's probably why we've loved it so much."
Salford coach Ian Watson added: "While we hoped Dobbo may change his mind, his decision to take his family home is the right one for him but as a person, and a player, he will be greatly missed.
"Dobbo is someone you can greatly rely on to commit 100 per cent to the cause which is shown in the amount of respect he commands from the coaching staff and players. He has helped drive and install a fantastic work ethic within the team and as captain."
With another Australian half-back Todd Carney also set to leave, Salford are thought to have targeted scrum-half Luke Walsh, who is out of contract with the Catalans, and Newcastle half-back Trent Hodkinson as potential replacements.
