HULL FC have released forward Joe Phillips just eight months into his two-year contract with the club.
Phillips, 20, signed last October after playing nine League One matches with his first professional club Goole Vikings.
The former Leeds Rhinos youngster and England Academy international came highly recommended by Goole boss Scott Taylor, who is expected to return to Hull next season as an assistant coach.
But he has been unable to make a first-team appearance, coming closest last month when he was 18th man in Hull’s Super League defeat at Leigh Leopards.
After recovering from a leg injury in pre-season, Phillips has appeared for their reserves as well as making single loan appearances for both Hunslet and Goole.
Hull say he has departed “to explore opportunities elsewhere in the sport”.