Matt Parcell snubs Super League interest for Australia return amid rule plea
MATT Parcell hopes to build a new career after turning down Super League interest to return to Australia.
The Hull KR hooker is leaving at the end of a season that could still end with Grand Final glory.
Even though he is officially a British citizen – although still counting on the overseas quota because of rules he feels should be changed – he is heading back Down Under.
Now if an NRL offer does not come up, it is likely he will forge a career in property after snubbing interest to play on in this country.
Parcell said: “I’ve had Super League clubs contact me and that’s been great – but this is a good time to finish over here.
“I can’t see myself playing part-time, so if an NRL offer doesn’t pop up I think I’ll do something in property – whether that’s development or project management, I really enjoy that side of things.
“Clubs help you get permanent residency but then there’s no incentive for them to help you get citizenship. You’re still a quota spot.
“I know players who’ve been here for nine years but haven’t got their citizenship. Introducing a rule would be a great thing as clubs would benefit.
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“If you commit six or seven years to the Super League, that’s the bulk of your career. So you deserve to be off the quota.
“After five years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, so you have to sit the test to do that – one question would be basic then the next would be, ‘Back in 1496….’
“But you have to hold that for another 12 months before you can apply for citizenship. Once you do that, it can take up to another six months. Along the way, there are boxes you have to tick.”
Rovers’ campaign will see a top two finish if they defeat Leeds tonight as Willie Peters’ men aim for the Super League title.
And ironically, the feeling among the squad now is similar to that of the 2017 Rhinos he joined and won glory with at Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old added: “I do, the big thing about having a good squad is having confidence. Over the last eight weeks, we’ve showed we’re a good team.
“We can defend strongly, we’re hard to beat and that’s a big thing. As a squad, we probably don’t have as much experience in finals as others but it’s about doing what we’ve been doing all year.”
In a sign of how far Hull KR have developed, Coldplay will perform two gigs at Craven Park next year.
Not even that prospect, though, could tempt Parcell to change his mind as he continued: “I’m gutted! That’s pretty cool.”