Robins begin their search Down Under for Morgan’s successor

Having ended long-running speculation about his future by confirming the 36-year-old will leave Craven Park at the end of the season, Rovers are busy seeking the man they feel can turn them into genuine Super League contenders.

Morgan – who was under contract until the end of 2013 but had recently been allowed to speak to other clubs, including Castleford Tigers – has certainly helped transform the East Yorkshire outfit since joining from Toulouse at the end of 2005.

But chairman Neil Hudgell, who released a joint-statement with the Australian to announce the departure, is understood to be keen on securing a promising assistant from the elite Australian league.

Impressed by the instant impact Michael Maguire has had on Wigan since joining from Melbourne Storm two years ago, Rovers hope to receive similar alchemy with their next appointment.

However, Maguire, who worked with current Queensland coach Mal Meninga at Canberra before furthering his apprenticeship as an assistant to Craig Bellamy with title-winning Storm, is generally viewed as a freakish one-off and other NRL rookies might not offer such obvious value.

Ironically, fellow Australian Terry Matterson, whom Morgan is in the frame to replace at Castleford, might yet come into the reckoning if he does not secure a coaching role back home. Morgan’s assistant Andrew Webster is also highly regarded but initial forays will start in the NRL.

Signs of strain on the relationship between the Rovers coach and chairman initially emerged earlier this summer following a string of poor results.

Hudgell put pressure on Morgan and the players to turn their season around, which they duly did by winning four consecutive matches, but they remain a point behind rivals Hull FC in the crucial eighth play-off spot and the recent Challenge Cup exit at St Helens has quickened a parting of the ways.

“I think it’s time,” said Morgan, who guided Rovers into Super League during his first season in charge and has since helped establish them in the top flight, their finest finish being fourth two years ago. “The club has given me a great opportunity and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

“I have always enjoyed an open relationship with Neil and the board, to the point that the club has been supportive in giving me permission to talk to other clubs about coaching positions, despite the fact that I am under contract.

“I have worked with some great players and staff during my time at Craven Park, and would like to thank them for a wonderful experience.”

Former Parramatta forward Morgan was just 29 when Hudgell recruited him from France and he soon became the youngest head coach in Super League.

But the chairman said: “Both parties genuinely believe now is the right time for a change.

“With bringing things out in the open we can accelerate those plans. Justin should be rightly proud of his achievements. Personally it’s a sad time for me as we have a great relationship and enjoyed some great times rebuilding this club, but I also think it is the right time for both parties to move on.”

Morgan has endured a series of off-field issues this season, not least the Willie Mason saga which affected his side’s form, but he is well-respected and expected to find alternative employment.

If not, Rovers will have to reach a settlement for the remaining two years of his contract.

However, with Castleford, and now Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, seeking new coaches, and with further opportunities like Canterbury available in the NRL, it is highly likely the former Wales international will find a new club for next season.