Well, as far as I can tell the rules haven't changed yet. There has been no RFL official press release, unless I've missed it, and the operational rules that I've just read this morning from the RFL website don't currently show any change in the Club trained or Quota rules; Sorry for the long copy and paste but I thought it might help for clarity;
"CLUB TRAINED
B1:12 The purpose behind the “Home Grown Player” Rule is:
a. to encourage Clubs to develop and better develop their own players so that there are more players coming into the game and so that the standard improves; and
b. to afford an opportunity to junior players to play in top level competitive matches in order to aid their development and ensure the development of the sport.
Definitions. “Federation” means the RLEF;
B1:12A
At the time of notification in any season of the Provisional First Team Squad and First Team Squad and following any amendments during the season, a Club’s First Team Squad, where that Club is in Super League, must consist of:
a. a maximum of 5 players who satisfy none of the definitions of Club Trained, Federation Trained or are working towards either classification.
b. a minimum of 8 Club Trained Players or Academy Juniors working towards that classification.
c. the remainder being made up of Club Trained, Federation Trained Players or Academy Juniors working towards either classification."
Thats as of this morning from the RFL website, I take it these rules are changing and clubs (?), press (?) and other individuals (?) have been briefed prior to the changes. And I'm sure it used to say the aim was for the 5 quota to reduce to 4 but I cant find copy of that as its been removed I think. But this is why it is valid to question and discuss Salford, or indeed ourselves with the sammut/new non fed player issue in terms of recruitments which appear to be in conflict with the current operational rules and quota limits. If all clubs have been briefed these rules are changing and plan their recruitment accordingly then fine (even though I think its a massive step backwards as these quota/club trained rules were one of the things the RFL has got right IMO). If the rules are not changing or only certain clubs have been told then its not fine. Hopefully all will be revealed in an RFL statement when they change the operational rules or with other annoucements after the EGM on the 9th October.
And for the avoidance of doubt, I think its great that Salford have got new investment and are looking to move up the table, its good for the game, but they have made pronouncments about the quota and cap, and now they've signed a lot of quota and marque players and the rules are changing (apparently) so a discussion about the situation is to be expected, it would be the same whichever club it was. Im sure the RFL will clarify things around the EGM.