BRANDON COSTIN is leaving Huddersfield Giants.
The 30-year-old is to return to Australia at the end of the Super League season.
The club's main playmaker was contracted with the Giants for next year, but believes the time is now right to quit the English scene.
Costin's departure, which could be in three games' time if the Giants fail to reach the play-offs, would end a four-year Super League career.
He joined the Giants in 2001 and spent the following season with Bradford Bulls before re-signing for Huddersfield last year.
But Costin has admitted a fifth season in the top-flight may prove too much and that it would be best all round if he left now.
"I think I'm going at the right time," he revealed.
"I still believe I can hack it in Super League, but I'm now finding the intensity and rigours of training are taking its toll.
"To pursue another season may be one season too many, and I don't want my career to end on a downward curve. It also wouldn't be right on the club.
"But the reason to return to Australia was also a family decision.
"My wife, Cheree, wants to go back to University, and my daughters Bella (5) and Mia (4) are almost ready to start school.
"It means their schooling will now start back home."
Costin will again be expected to play a leading role as the Giants bid to beat second-placed Hull in Saturday's Super League clash at the Galpharm Stadium (3.00).
Victory is vital if Huddersfield are to keep their fading play-off hopes alive, and the Giants are offering £5 entry to Town season tickets holders and a quid-a-kid in a bid to boost the home support.
And Costin is determined to give the fans something to cheer.
"Now I've made my decision known, I'm looking to finish the season with a real bang," he added.
"I want to finish my Super League career on a high and I'll be doing everything within my power to make sure that is achieved.
"I want to end my Giants career on a winning note."
A win over Hull would help keep the pressure on sixth-placed Wakefield Trinity Wildcats who are in the driving seat to claim the final play-off spot.
The Giants and Wildcats clash at Belle Vue the following week when that could be confirmed.
As a result, the match is to be screened live on Sky TV, bringing a fixture switch from Sunday, September 12 to Friday, September 10 (8.00).
