Berrigan quits Hull to return Down Under

Hull have agreed to release former Australia international Shaun Berrigan from the final year of his contract.

The 32-year-old hooker was three years into a four-year stay with the club, but has now been given permission to return to the NRL, where he is expected to sign for either the Gold Coast Titans or the New Zealand Warriors.

Berrigan made 74 appearances for the KC Stadium team since joining from Brisbane ahead of the 2008 season, and won the club's player of the year award in his debut campaign.

He has struggled for form since then, though, and has often been forced to play out of position to cover injuries. His departure means Hull have a vacant place on their overseas quota for the 2011 season.