Samoan star and former Canterbury Bulldogs player Tim Lafai has quit troubled Super League club Salford.

Lafai is heading back to Australia after spending three seasons with the Red Devils, who have been beset with financial woes.

The international centre's departure is another body blow for the club, who have failed to pay its players and staff on time again for the second month in a row.

Lafai, 33, scored 21 tries in 63 Super League games for the Red Devils and helped the club reach the play-offs in two of his three campaigns.

"The boys I've played alongside present and past, it's been a rollercoaster of a ride, but one of the best times I've had here," Lafai told the club's website.

"One of the best playing groups and the staff who always made me feel welcome, put up with my nonsense - it's been a great time."

The departure of star players Lafai, Marc Sneyd and Brad Singleton have compounded the club's problems.

"As many will already know, our payroll wasn't delivered this morning as scheduled, despite assurances," a club statement said.

Salford have been operating under salary cap sanctions for much of the season due to their financial plight, restricting the number of players they can pick for their matchday squad.

Allied with a mounting injury list, Salford head coach Paul Rowley said this week the club was currently down to 15 players for Sunday's trip to reigning champions Wigan, including new loan signing George Hill.

A new consortium, headed by Swiss banker Dario Berta, appeared to have secured the club's future when they completed a takeover in the summer, but they have since made a series of excuses for the delayed payment.

In a further, thinly-veiled swipe, Salford continued: "It remains a difficult situation for everyone at Salford Red Devils.

"Irrespective of this, we, as players and staff have continued to uphold our commitments with professionalism, ensuring the club remains competitive on and off the field.

"Now, we await the same level of commitment from those responsible for ensuring the stability of our organisation.

"The unwavering support of our fans and partners during this challenging time, is both humbling and inspiring, it makes all the difference to players and staff."

with PA