Hull half-back Albert Kelly will return home to Australia next week after his season was ended by a hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old, who played with Cronulla Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, confirmed in June that he would take his family home at the end of the year after a successful spell in the English game.

Now, after failing to shake off his injury, he has been granted an early release from his contract.

“The family is really excited about going home and our family back home are looking forward to seeing us again,” Kelly said.

“I am really disappointed that I will not get to pull on the black and white jersey one last time but unfortunately I’m just not right to play yet.”

The Challenge Cup winner Kelly scored on his final appearance last month against Castleford, scoring his 44th try in 74 games since moving from rivals Hull KR.

He also helped Rovers to the 2015 Challenge Cup final but injury hampered his big occasion, and then across the city he made up for that Wembley loss with the 2017 victory over Wigan.

“The family is really excited about going home,” Macksville-born Kelly said.

“I am really disappointed that I will not get to pull on the black and white jersey one last time, but unfortunately I’m just not right to play yet.”

“I’m very grateful to the club for everything they have done for me and allowing me and my family to head home and get settled before we embark on the next chapter in our lives.

“Hull will always be a special place for us. We have made some great memories and some great friends at both clubs.

“We had our son here, so it will always be special to us and perhaps one day we will come back with him when the kids are older, watch a few games and show them where he is from.”

A club spokesman said: “Everyone at Hull FC would like to wish Albert, Tia, Brida, Bayla and Boston the very best on their journey home and thank them for their contribution to the club.”