There is of course a third issue here too, do we actually have another 150k+ to spend on a player? If Sivo is paid by insurance then its fine, but otherwise its a cost the club will not have budgeted for.

Yep. I've never doubted the boards ambition, but if they do stump up the cash to bring in another player it would surely silence those who do.

And put 50p a pint on their Tetleys.

I don't think it's worthwhile jumping the gun to replace Sivo. The silver lining to his injury is that at present, we can easily accommodate his absence.

It would make far more sense to get into the season, and see what other positions we come short in due to injury. If we lose a back-rower for instance, I'd rather have a rainy day fund for that spot that getting a wing, when we've actually got decent cover there.

I think the cap is 'dynamic', meaning it is the cumulative spend over a season, rather than any one week's total wage bill. It might therefore be more enticing for a decent NRL player to come over for a 6 month stint half way through the season for £150k, rather than a full season for the same amount.

Anyone know if there's a deadline in terms of de-registering a player?

I`m not so sure that`s the case as presumably the team have been trained to use the battering ram methods of Hall and Sivo. We don`t have that luxury with the likes of Handley or Lumb.
So we either change our pre season methods to accommodate a slightly different approach or we look to get someone, know idea who to replicate Sivo`s skillset.

I can't imagine there's an insurance policy covering professional rugby players when they get injured because so many get injured that the premium would be huge. It would probably cost 30% of your salary base so wouldn't be worth it for either party as would just be pound swapping. It's not like insuring a dancer's feet for an unexpected freak event. Rugby players get injured all the time and it's unfortunately a business risk.

That said, the fact that Leeds appeared to be monitoring the Salford situation for dispensations suggests that we can find the money if required.

We found big money for transfers last year. I don't think that will be the limiting factor. The only issue that really matters is whether there's someone we can get who would materially improve the side - whether a direct replacement for Sivo or not. I've no problem with not spending money for its own sake, but if Sivo wasn't a winger would we even be having this conversation? Some of us think Sivo was going to be central to the gameplan, not just another winger. Not thinking seriously about replacing him seems to suggest we're not going all out this season. I'm absolutely fine if the coach makes that choice BTW.

This vacancy could be a good opportunity to sign a quota player in a position that needs strengthening longer-term, e.g. an explosive second row or centre. Then we keep the player for next season with Lisone making way and signing/developing a non-quota prop, and a fit-again Sivo joins the team in Ryan Hall's vacated wing spot.

We have Handley to play wing and Connor to play centre then academy prospects to cover those.

Not ideal obviously but it's not bad.
I'd rather wait and look for an early chance at a lisone or frawley replacement as neither has done enough so far to warrant staying.

If Newman breaks down for a long spell we might be in trouble.

I really liked the look of Ned McCormack, so the Sivo injury likely knocks him up the pecking order when there are backs injuries. Max Simpson was also very highly rated and Lumb hasn't disappointed when selected. It gives them three players more of a look in.

Sivo was the big X factor / marque signing though and so I would like us to sign an x actor player at some stage this season whether that be a 2nd row or half back etc., simply to give us a push for the back end of the season. Not signing an x factor player certainly weakens us.

Whichever way you look at it and whatever the club decide to do... losing Sivo for the season is a huge huge blow... it really is. His ability would and could have made the difference between a win and a loss at times this coming season.. severely weakens our attack.