MORGAN TO LEAVE HULL KR AT END OF SEASON

[josie andrews]

Hull Kingston Rovers have moved to end mounting speculation about the future of coach Justin Morgan by announcing he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Morgan, who joined the club from Toulouse in 2005 and guided them into the Super League in 2006, has been linked with a move away from Craven Park for most of the current campaign, with Castleford thought to be his most likely destination.

Both Morgan and Rovers chairman Neil Hudgell have been reluctant to discuss the matter until now, with a joint statement confirming the 36-year-old will move on, while also adding that he has already held talks with other clubs.

"I think it's time," Morgan said.

"The club has given me a great opportunity and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I have always enjoyed an open relationship with Neil and the board, to the point that the club has been supportive in giving me permission to talk to other clubs about coaching positions, despite the fact that I am under contract.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that I have been afforded to explore other options. I have worked with some great players and staff during my time at Craven Park, and would like to thank them for a wonderful experience."

The fact that Morgan still has two years left to run on his deal does not mean his exit comes as a surprise.

As well as the vacant position at Castleford, Morgan was also heavily linked with jobs at the New Zealand Warriors and Penrith, while he and his players came under public pressure from Hudgell earlier in the season following a poor run of form.

"Both parties genuinely believe now is the right time for a change," added Hudgell, who recruited Morgan as a 29-year-old coach and charged him with taking his club back to the top flight.

"With bringing things out in the open we can accelerate those plans.

"Justin should be rightly proud of his achievements. Personally it's a sad time for me as we have a great relationship and enjoyed some great times rebuilding this club, but I also think it is the right time for both parties to move on.

"I am sure the fans will show their appreciation for his efforts between now and the end of the season, and whenever he returns to Craven Park in the future."

Morgan arrived by the towards the end of the 2005 season and in the next campaign led the club to National League One glory when they beat Widnes in the Grand Final.

He and his players successfully avoided relegation in 2007, effectively securing themselves a Super League licence for the 2009-2011 period and, during the 2009 season the Robins topped the table following a win at Wigan.

They reached the play-offs last season and also in 2010, but face a struggle to do so this season following a campaign littered with poor form and off-the-field troubles - most notable the Willie Mason saga.

While Morgan may now head to Castleford as has been widely speculated, the option of heading to the New Zealand Warriors as an assistant to Brian McClennan is also available to him.

Press Association Sport understands Hudgell is keen to explore the Australian market for a replacement for Morgan, although Andrew Webster, Morgan's assistant, is highly regarded.

Other names likely to be in the frame are the outgoing Wakefield boss John Kear and Webster's brother, James, the captain of Morgan's title-winning team and the current Hull FC assistant.

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[josie andrews]

Hull KR coach Justin Morgan may go to Australia

Departing Hull KR coach Justin Morgan has revealed that he has been in talks with National Rugby League sides in Australia about a possible move.

The 36-year-old will leave Craven Park at the end of the season and had been linked with a move to Castleford.

But he told BBC Look North: "I have spoken to a couple of clubs and we'll see what eventuates.

"I've obviously got a lot of friends who coach in the NRL and I have dialogue with them."

However, Morgan is keen to keep his options open and will not rule out a move to another Super League club as head coach following his time with the Robins.

During his six years at Rovers, Morgan has led the club into the Super League via promotion and secured a play-off place twice.

He could make that a third time, with Rovers currently lying ninth in the table, one place behind closest rivals Hull FC with four games to play.

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