Blair returns home for brother's funeral

Former NRL player Maurice Blair has been given time off by Super League club Hull KR to return home for the funeral of his brother.

Hull KR have given Australian five-eighth Maurice Blair permission to return home to attend the funeral of his brother, who tragically died last week.

The former Penrith, Melbourne and Gold Coast utility player insisted on staying in the country to play in Saturday's Super 8s Qualifiers match against Leigh but will miss this weekend's game against London Broncos.

"This is terrible news for Bobby and his family and he has temporarily returned home to Australia with our condolences," Hull KR head of rugby Jamie Peacock said.

"Bobby received the tragic news last week but insisted on remaining in the country to play in Saturday's game against Leigh Centurions. That is a testament to his character and the dedication he has towards the club and his teammates.

"However, it's important that he now returns home to Australia to be with his family. We wish him a safe trip and will be doing everything we can to pick up a vital win on Sunday in his absence."

Rovers desperately need a win against the Broncos on Sunday after slipping to a surprise 25-18 defeat to the Centurions, which puts them in danger of appearing in the crunch STG1 million ($A1.76 million) match to determine the final make-up of Super League for 2017.

Hull KR say the 31-year-old Blair will return in time to face Featherstone in their penultimate Super 8s match on Sunday, September 18.

The club have yet to announce whether Blair's halves partner Albert Kelly will be available for the game against London at Ealing.

He was dropped for the Leigh game as a disciplinary measure after he arrived late back from a trip to Australia.


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Source: AAP



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