hkrdavidhkr wrote:yes. but i would feel that they may negotiate some form of informal agreement for him to see his last year out, hence the 1 yr option when back from injury
No it would not make Chev Walker a free agent.
He would only be a free agent if Rovers paid him off and terminated his contract.
Before the start of the season clubs must send a list of 25 players who will be registered and therefore available for first team selection.
Chev Walker will undoubtedly NOT be on that list assuming he is going to miss large part of the season.
The salary cap is only for the 25 players submitted to the RFL so Rovers could continue to pay Chev Walker and he wouldn't count for salary cap purposes.
If Chev is fit to play at some point next season Rovers could then de-register another player to allow Chev to play. Chev's wages would then be part of the cap again but not the money he earned whist unregistered.