According to League Express the clubs agreed in 2015 that any player suffering an anticipated season ending injury before the season starts can be taken off the salary cap, should that player return ahead of schedule, they will only be allowed to commence playing should the club have space in their cap.

This was extended in 2018 after clubs voted to include any season ending injuries from mid season internationals.

It only mentions Dom Manfredi as having used it so far, although there may have been others. Either way it would seem Currie would not have been taken off cap as he played games in 2017 & 2018. Harrison could have been taken off in 2016 as his last game was 2015. Grix and Hicks predated this ruling, I think Hicks technically retired due to injury which allowed us to take him off cap, he got a pay out and went on to play another season or so NRL I think?

Don't see the issue with it, or why everyone is upset about it. They've lost a key player to their team and also compounded by being in a key position. Prior to a ball being kicked especially.

Now there should be a caveat that they must replace like fo like not use money got a player in another position, which I have hear cas maybe doing. That's against the core principle of this ruling and should not be permitted.

Part right, he was loaned to Wakefield which left space in the cap to bring in Sandow early. He wasn’t ruled out for the season though, his debut was delayed due to complications, but he went on the make a few appearances for them I think.

Spoke to Ben at the time. The club proposed he was deregistered while he had the surgery that all needed doing, with a view to getting him back on the books the next year. That was the thin end of the wedge for him. Once he was off the books, it was always going to be hard for him to get his contract renewed, regardless of what was agreed in good faith.

funny you should mention him, i was wondering yesterday in light of riley's retirement what his official status was, i don't recall any retirement statements or anything like that, a sad end to a cult hero.

Retired from sport. Think his injury insurance package meant he couldn't return to the game. A great shame. Training to work in the real estate game now.