Appendix operation means Cas will lose star player at the business end of the season. Will the wheels fall off the wagon?

Unfortunately he'll be back in time for the semi

Why unfortunately? I prefer to see what all sides can do at their best. The only exception is Australia v GB, where I'd happily take 4 or 5 (not too serious) injuries if that meant we beat them when it counts.

Why, so if/when we beat them they can say it was against their reserve team? Always better to beat an opposition with their best players on the field.

The weaker Cas are the more chance Leeds have of winning.

sad when we need star players injured to have a sniff of winning. true but still sad

Its where Leeds are these days unfortunately.

Could be back anywhere between 2-6 weeks depending on recovery.

Normal recovery time from this operation is minimum 4 weeks before any exercise. I presume they will have used key hole type surgery. Obviously this increases the recovery rate but still puts his chances of a grand final appearance in doubt.
On the other hand they might want to take a chance with him. Also most people seem to think that cas are nailed on for a grand final appearance. Might not be the case , either Wigan, hull, or saints won't be a pushover at the lane.
Feel a bit sorry for cas , I think they have brightened up super league this year in a sea of mediocrity.

Agreed.

4 weeks for normal people - these are highly trained/fit athletes with access the best medical/rehabilitation facilities around

He will be back for the semi final

I hope he recovers soon after the season he's had I wouldn't like him to miss out on The Chance of glory and it would be better for us if we played Cas in the GF if they were at full strength and beat them