POOLE Pirates asset Dakota North has withdrawn from Swindon’s team for 2016 due to his father’s ongoing health concerns. 

The 24-year-old’s dad, Rod North, himself a revered former speedway rider, was involved in a serious industrial accident in Australia in September, leading to Dakota’s omission from Poole’s play-off semi-final second leg against Coventry last season.

And with North senior still recovering, Robins boss Alun Rossiter revealed the Victorian would be taking time out to help his family. 

“Dak’s father still has a lot of issues following on from the accident and it is felt that he is needed by his family back in Australia,’’ said Rossiter.

“Dak feels he can’t leave him with the situation as it is and I totally respect that. Family comes first.

“He said that he didn’t want to be letting Swindon down but we totally understand the decision he has made.

"It’s disappointing for us but it has to be right for him. It wouldn’t be easy with that on his mind if he was the other side of the world.’’

North played a significant role in Pirates’ successful title defence in 2015, despite his jump from a second-string role contributing to the lowering of his average from 6.57 to 5.91.