FORMER Canberra and Newcastle prop Dane Tilse has announced his retirement from professional rugby league for family reasons at the age of 31.

Tilse, who made 48 appearances in two seasons with Hull KR and was a member of the team that was relegated from Super League at the end of 2016.

He had opted to remain with the club in the Championship and returned to pre- season training last month but has now decided to hang up his boots.

Tilse said: “This is something that has weighed on my mind since I returned to Rovers after the off season. I had nine weeks with family and friends and I’ve found it tough since I’ve been back over here.

“My daughter has been at the forefront of my mind and I came to the realisation over the Christmas period that I need to be at home with her. She’s four years old now and I haven’t been around very much, playing away from home first with Canberra and then Hull KR.

“I apologise to the club because I’ve messed them around by coming back over here but it was never my intention to cause any problems.”

Hull KR’s new head coach Tim Sheens said: “Dane has come to this decision over the past few days and we respect that.”