Australian forward Willie Mason was de-registered by Super League club Hull KR on Thursday amid claims that he could be on the verge of a move into French rugby union.
Rovers had insisted the 31-year-old remained part of their plans despite his continuing inability to gain exemption from the club's overseas quota.
But despite initially being named in Rovers' 19-man squad for Friday's derby against Hull, Mason was withdrawn on Thursday and replaced by Australian scrum half Michael Dobson following his recovery from injury.
Dobson was de-registered on March 10, shortly after undergoing ankle surgery, to make room on the overseas quota for Mason, who had hoped to by-pass the regulations by gaining a Tongan passport.
Toulon are said to be interested in signing Mason, who was last week spotted having talks with the French club's wealthy president Mourad Boudjellal.
It is thought Toulon want Mason to follow in the footsteps of his former Canterbury Bulldogs team-mate Sonny Bill Williams and play inside centre, having transformed the New Zealander from a rugby league forward to a powerful union three-quarter.
England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and Wales centre Gavin Henson are currently with Toulon and the ambitious club have already recruited Springboks forward Bakkies Botha and Wallabies utility back Matt Giteau for next season.
Mason has considered a switch of codes in the past, having spoken to the Waratahs in 2007 and also visited Japan in 2009 to talk with rugby union clubs.
Mason, who signed a two-year contract with an option for a third season at Craven Park, made an impressive Super League debut against Crusaders six weeks ago but has made little impact since.
A statement from Rugby League officials confirmed: "The RFL can confirm that Hull Kingston Rovers have re-registered Australian scrum-half Michael Dobson and that the player is eligible for selection for the Engage Super League Round 11 fixture at Hull FC on Friday, April 22.
"Hull Kingston Rovers have also de-registered prop Willie Mason following a protracted delay in the player obtaining a Tongan passport.
"Any application to re-register Willie Mason, subject to the player obtaining a Tongan passport, would require the full support of the RFL board of directors."
- AFP
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