I don't really understand his decision to move to RU though clearly it is about time to retire at 34.
He could have easily gone somewhere like Wakefield and still been the king in a team with no superstars but I guess the financial prospects are better at YC.

What I do hope though, is that part of the deal is that he stays around teh Headingley club and will come back in as a coach or other role in Rugby League (presumably with Leeds)
If he is lost to the game in his twilight playing years it's just a bit irritating, but if he is lost to the game, and more so, excels in the other code, it is a travesty.

People keep mentioning about how he's going to make a nice little earner from his spell in RU....but it's not like he's going to Saracens or Bath, it's Carnegie in the 2nd tier. Can't imagine he's on a wage massively different to his Rhinos one.

In an extended story in today's YEP, he said he would've stayed at the Rhinos for the 2016 season had Carnegie not been interested so it wasn't like he was going to leave for any other club. If you think about that he's remained living in Oldham throughout his Leeds career and that apart from Sale and Leeds they really isn't any other RU oppptunities in a realistic geographical location for a guy whose has never felt the need/urge to locate nearer the club he played for for nearly 20 years, then it's unlikely he'd commit to a team down south for just 18 month.

I think he's also smart enough to know that at his age, Premiership RU clubs wouldn't be too keen on taking him as he only has a short while left and no RU experience.....by the time he's getting the hang of it it'll be retirement time.

I don't think it's anything to do with money to be honest. I'd be suprised if he's on any more at Carnegie than at the Rhinos. I reckon he realised his body isn't managing to keep going at the top level of SL anymore, hence the retirement from internationals and move from loose forward to stand off. A bit like Peacock taking on a new challenge at Hull KR, I think Sinfield sees giving Union a go as a new challenge yet can still stay affiliated with the club he loves.

Just as a bit of backup to that I looked up his tackling stats, they're ridiculous.

He's been in Leeds top 5 tacklers every year since 2003 (that's as far back as the stats go) except 2006.
He was Leeds top tackler in 2003, 2007, 2008 & 2009.
And since 2007 has been Leeds 2nd top tackler.

#of tackles 2007-2014:
Peacock - 5,218
Sinfield - 5,152
JJB - 4,667
Ablett - 3,986

It's no wonder he signed for Union, the lad needs a rest.

I'd be surprised if he'd be on as much at Carnegie as he is at the Rhinos.

Not sure how much Carnegie spend on player wages, but I'd be surprised if there's anyone in their squad pulling in more than £100k a year.

Until now?

No idea what Sinfield's contract is worth either currently or in the future.

Given he's the sort of person who doesn't seem to put a high value on monetary reward, I'd be surprised if he's gone into negotiations demanding to be the highest paid player at the club though.

For some people money is not everything.
Sinfield is definitely one of those.
Not that he's exactly on his uppers.

Does anyone know what salary cap Championship clubs operate with? BTW in no way was I suggesting that Sir Kev was only in it for the money. But I am interested to know how rich RU in the second tier is compared to SL

It's a very clever move. He has never denied he would like the opportunity to play union and realises this will possibly extend his playing career by a couple of seasons. Carnegie are seemingly having something of a re-birth so what better player to lead the charge. I have always thought he would make a great union fly half because of his natural strengths (kicking & organisation). What's more he can tackle! Plus, I'm sure with Sinny in the side even some of the die hard 'leaguers' like us would consider going to watch them.

One thing that has surprised me (although I suppose it shouldn't) is the amount of media attention this move has had, once again showing the union bias. He hasn't even gone yet! Imagine if he had signed for Fev!?

work with an ex leeds player who said kev is very smart, a real clever guy, who has probably seen where Edwards and Farrell have got and possibly is looking at the same route. he always thought well ahead

I want to say it's 2.5m, something only Bristol and Worcester come close to spending.

I don't think Carnegie spend half of that.

Certainly up to two or three years ago there wasn't a salary cap in the second tier. Don't know whether that has changed recently.

Last I heard the RFU funding for the championship was £359k

Those were my thoughts exactly.... The man is very astute and a cut above the average RL brain. I wish him every success in gratitude for what he has brought to the club and the game. A legend in the mould of John Holmes if not - dare i say it - greater. Impeccable standards that all future players would do well to replicate... His decision here has elevated him even higher in my esteem. It's hard to go out at the top: this way he can still hopefully do so with one last grandstand finish in October.

lets hope he takes the moron with the drum with him.