Hull FC’s in-form playmaker Albert Kelly is to return home to Australia and is likely to miss next weekend’s Super League clash with Salford due to personal reasons.

Hull have announced the former NRL player with the Gold Coast Titans and Cronulla Sharks has been allowed to fly home on compassionate leave.

A statement from the Black and Whites issued on Sunday said Kelly would return next weekend but was “unlikely” to face Salford.

The 26-year-old could stake a legitimate claim for being Super League’s best player so far this season, scoring eight tries in his past five matches after transferring from Hull KR.