GREGG McNally is being released by the Bulls on compassionate grounds to care for his seriously ill wife.

They have agreed to the Ireland international’s request so that he can join a club nearer to his family in Leigh.

McNally’s wife Rosey suffers from avascular necrosis, a crippling bone condition, which has been getting worse.

Bulls coach John Kear said: “Gregg hasn’t been back to training simply because he’s had difficulty making it over because of his wife’s requirements.

“They’ve got two young kids, aged five and six, and rugby comes a very poor second when things like that are going on.

“If he was required at home urgently for the kids not being well at school or his wife suffering from her problems, there was the M62 to contend with.

“It was an hour and quarter home if he had a good run. If you have one of those nightmare days, you could be talking three or four hours.

“He just couldn’t be that far away from his family.

“We totally understand and there is no ill-feeling whatsoever.

“The most important thing for Gregg and his family is to make sure his wife is as well as she can be and to look after the children.”

McNally joined the Bulls from Leigh a year ago but the full back played only 13 games last season because of injuries, scoring five tries.

Kear stressed the club have no issue with him going somewhere more convenient to his Lancashire home.

He added: “We think it will do him good to play rugby because of his mental health. You’ve got to attempt to get your life back as well and not just be a carer.

“If he could get a club that’s easily accessible, there shouldn’t be any problems if he has to sprint off the training ground and get home.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to support the individual and the individual’s family. The rugby business side has got to come a very distant second.

“The problems have really escalated from early December. Both Stuart (Duffy) and myself have been over to see Gregg.

“We’ve been speaking frequently over the phone and obviously kept (owner) Andrew (Chalmers) up to speed.

“I think the club have been first class. They have handled everything with a great deal of respect and sympathy and empathy.

“I like being at a club like that. We had difficulties at Wakefield that we handled and got through.

“Gregg’s having problems and wanted time off and I’m really proud to be part of the Bulls who have shown that compassion.

“We have held out the hand of care to him and he’s accepted it. I don’t think the club could have done any better and I know Gregg’s agent is of a similar mind as well.”