Crocker is awaiting a work permit to play in the UK

Australian Test forward Michael Crocker has said he will consider retiring if his move to Hull falls through.

The 28-year-old Melbourne Storm back rower was due to arrive earlier this month but is still awaiting clearance to link up with his new team-mates.

He revealed earlier this month that a conviction for affray in 2005 was partly to blame for the hold-up.

"If England doesn't happen, I don't know if I'll go back to the Storm," he told the Sydney Telegraph.

"They haven't really got any cash so I'll probably spend the year getting my life after footy sorted."

Crocker, who has signed a three-year deal with Hull, is continuing to train in Melbourne with his former Storm team-mates.

He fears he may suffer the same fate as fellow countryman Todd Carney, whose move to Huddersfield collapsed when he was denied a visa by the British High Commission in Canberra.

The visa application procedure has been tightened this year with a number of players still awaiting clearance to come to Britain.

New Leeds Rhinos signing Greg Eastwood, whose father is from Yorkshire, is awaiting a British passport while St Helens winger Francis Meli could also miss the start of the season after failing to get his visa application sent in on time and Super League newcomers Celtic Crusaders are awaiting the arrival of eight of their players.

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