FORMER Castleford Tigers man Tex Hoy has left the UK, sending a message on his Instagram story confirming his return to his native Australia.

Hoy was most recently released from the final year of his playing contract with the Tigers after making 35 appearances for the club, scoring 13 tries and kicking 20 goals.

The playmaker made the move to The Jungle from Hull FC in April 2024, where he registered 24 appearances.

On his Instagram story, Hoy wrote: “3 years, 4 days, been a pleasure UK. Life-long memories, life-long experiences, life-long friendships.”

The 26-year-old also paid tribute to his partner, continuing: “Thank you for being by my side through it all and creating a little life on the other side of the world! Now to start one in Australia with a little gremlin.

“In a bit UK.”

Hoy spent the beginning of his rugby league career with Newcastle Knights in the NRL, making 29 appearances before moving to Hull FC ahead of the 2023 Super League season.

With Castleford bringing in Canterbury Bulldogs livewire Blake Taaffe and youngster Fletcher Rooney expected to make big strides in the near future, Hoy’s chances of nailing down a first-team spot at Castleford seemed unlikely.