Holding aloft the Newcastle Rugby League premiership trophy after skippering the Scorpions to a drought-breaking and against-the-odds premiership last month.

But on the back of grand final glory and four seasons at Toronto the 30-year-old will in 2018 return to his home base on the Central Coast and join junior club the Woy Woy Roosters. 

“I don’t think anyone could question his commitment to the club while he has been here,” Macquarie coach Adam Bettridge said.

“I’m not even sure how he was able to juggle footy with us between all the travel and work commitments.

“But he wanted to win a premiership while he was here and now he has.

“He was a really integral part of that and we totally understand the move. We want to wish him all the best back at his junior club.” 

The 2014 player of the year featured in two of Macquarie’s three consecutive grand final appearances from 2015, missing the first decider while on reality television program NRL Rookie.   

The Scorpions were also minor premiers in 2016.

Hyde took over the captaincy from Blake Gallen, who broke his leg midway through this season and remains in doubt to return next year following multiple follow-up surgeries. 

No one has been named to replace Hyde, but halfback Andy Sumner has done the job previously.

Bettridge also confirmed former Cessnock mentor Steve Kidd would join the Scorpions next season as reserve grade coach.  

Meanwhile, Country Rugby League may tour Papua New Guinea for the first time next year with negotiations underway to lock in fixtures for the under-23, under-18 and under-16 representative teams.