GOLD Coast recruit Pearce Hanley and his brother Cian, a Lions rookie, will return to Ireland to deal with a private family matter.

The Suns and Lions released a joint statement on Sunday evening confirming the brothers will return to their homeland.

Pearce spent time in Ireland over the Christmas break to be with his family, including younger brother Tommy, who is suffering stage four cancer.

"Both clubs will provide all the support the family needs during this challenging time," the statement said.

Pearce made his Suns debut in Saturday night's QClash, collecting 17 touches in the narrow two-point loss.

Meanwhile, Cian played his first match in Lions colours in a NEAFL practice match against Gold Coast.

The 21-year-old has endured a horror run since being recruited as an international rookie at the end of 2014, with a knee reconstruction keeping him out in 2015 and ongoing groin problems sidelining him for all of last year.