The 29-year-old former Castleford captain and Scotland international will return to Australia following the tragedy, forcing him to miss Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-final with holders St Helens at the Gateshead International Stadium.

Thunder chief executive Rod Findlay said: ''When we learnt of the situation we did everything we could to help Andrew get back to his family. Our thoughts are with them all at a time like this.''

Gateshead club captain Neil Thorman said: ''The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Hendo and his family and we can't say how sorry we were to hear of his father's death.

''It really puts into perspective what is important in life. Hendo needs all of his friends and family at a time like this.

''We have a big game this weekend but Hendo has done the right thing going back to see his family. We will miss his experience on Saturday but the 17-man squad have a job to do.''