But the club were keen to downplay the departure, which comes just three months after he was appointed to the Townsville-based role.

"Michael has decided to go back to Adelaide," said Fury Chief Executive Dean Hassall today. "He has a couple of family issues to deal with.

"He had come up to Townsville without his family but he needs to go back now to be with his wife and two kids."

Hassall added: "We're disappointed to lose Michael but some things are more important than work.

"We haven't got any replacement in mind yet as we only found out a couple of days ago."

The club also denied rumours of a wholesale clear out of the squad. Following the weekend's loss against Sydney, stories circulated that coach Ian Ferguson planned a massive pre-season cull with six players said to be for the axe.

"We are a bit too far down the tracks to be making any changes like that," said Hassall.

He said Fury were now focussed solely on completing their roster - bolstered today by the addition of Rostyn Griffiths - and replacing Felipe as their last remaining visa-spot player.