Hull Kingston Rovers release Keal Carlile from his contract

Hull Kingston Rovers have released Keal Carlile from his contract to allow the hooker to seek first-team opportunities elsewhere.

Carlile, 26, limited in recent weeks and faced competition for the hooking berth from France international John Boudebza and new arrival Shaun Lunt.

The Pontefract-born front-rower leaves the Robins after making 36 appearances, scoring one try, and said: “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.

“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 head coach Chris Chester said: “I sat down with Keal after we brought Shaun Lunt into the club on loan last week and we had an honest conversation.

“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.”