Young halfback Jack Mallinson has left Hunslet Rugby League club to take up an opportunity in Australia with New South Wales outfit Albury Thunder.

The Parksiders’ Chairman Kenny Sykes said: “While we are disappointed to be losing Jack at this stage of the season, we fully understand his reasons. This will be a great experience, both on and off the park, and we wish him well for the future and thank him for his contribution this season.”

Head coach Alan Kilshaw said: “We made a commitment that the core of the squad would be local players, and our match-day 17 has regularly included eight or nine local lads.

“It’s important that we have quality players around them, to further enhance the team and to help them develop. We have to ensure that they are playing in a competitive side, and our focus in the next few weeks will be on adding to the quality and depth of the group.”

He added: “We are committed to finishing as high in the league as possible and looking to hit our stride in the play-offs. It was always our plan to add to the squad at this stage of the season, prior to Jack’s departure, and we have been busy looking at bringing people in to strengthen the group.”