Hull KR are set to release Australian forward Cory Paterson at the end of the season but have rejected a big-money offer from Salford for skipper Michael Dobson.
Paterson, 25, joined the English rugby league club on a two-year deal from North Queensland last winter and has been one of their stand-out performers so far this season.
Paterson revealed earlier this year that he has a release clause in the event of head coach Craig Sandercock leaving the club and, although Sandercock has agreed a new contract, the player has asked for a move on compassionate grounds.
“He wants to go back to Australia to be with his family,” said Rovers chairman Neil Hudgell.
“He’s had a discussion with our chief executive Mike Smith and is due to have a discussion with myself this week so we’re expecting to make an early decision on Cory’s situation.
“Family always has to come first and ultimately, whether it be for good reasons or bad reasons, if a players doesn’t want to be here, we’re not going to stand in their way.”
Hudgell also dropped a hint that influential scrum-half Dobson, 27, could also be on his way.
The former Canberra half-back, who is on the wanted list of Salford, is also under contract until the end of next season but has a release clause which would enable him to return to the NRL.
“Michael is very intrinsic to what we’re trying to do going forward but the reality is that he has ambitions to play in the NRL again,” Hudgell said.
“He has a release clause in his contract which he would need to effect in the next week and I’ll be sitting down with him later this week.
“We’ve had a big-money offer from Salford for Michael which we’ve turned down.”