At the moment, we have seen Coley up his form in recent weeks, presumably to get another contract either here or with another club. Tim Smith seems to be doing the same to get a NRL contract. Phelps' upturn in form seems to fall into a similar category, but my impression is he wants to stay. If the story about Noble chasing a new contract is true, a cynic would say we seem to have several key figures who have underperformed (on the whole) in their time at Wigan all improving their performance whilst chasing new contracts.

That's fine in the short term; I'd love us to go on winning and push for honours this season. But I seriously question whether any of these individuals are the answer for the club in the long-term. If I were the owner, I'd be inclined to thank them very much (whether we win a final or not) and send them on their way.

Agreed, but its a very tough call, i do wonder if the contract situation of players and coaches has forced all there hands into action, especially the coaches to impliment change potentially earlier than they planned, we will be in a better position to judge this at the end of the season though when all the facts of the season are in, but certainly from the players point of view it is clear they are playing for a new deal either with us or elsewhere, which is very frustrating from a fans point of view in the case of players like Coley, Vaialeki, Higham etc.

It could also be that the people you name are being put under immense pressure to start performing, and have finally cracked.

Of course, if that's the case, it still doesn't say a lot for them - that as professionals they have to be threatened and cajoled into giving their best.

It does make you wonder if the players who do this have any sence of professional pride at all, it is also usually the underachievers and drifters between several clubs throughout there career that fall into this category, which is clearly no coincidence.

Can't see Noble going mid-season unless we have a major downturn in results. Is Lam up to the job? Im not too sure. If Noble gets us to a final or wins one, do we still want him in charge next season?

Who do we get if Noble's contract isn't renewed - can't say i'm too keen on Justin Morgan tbh. Would rather have someone from the NRL with more experience.

This whole idea of playing for a contract is based on the notion that any previous less good form was a deliberate act on the players or coaches part to take it easy and that they could have, at any time, played or coached like they are in the last year of their contract but just could not be bothered.

I think its a completely stupid notion myself and players like Coley and coaches like Noble have never wanted to be anything less than a success here. Sometimes players lose form and there is nothing sinister about it or them regaining it in the final year of their deal.

As I have said previously, I don't subscribe to this notion that players start playing well in their last season in the hope of a new contract. They must surely know a decision on their future will be made based on their form and worth to the club over the period of their time here. Same goes for Noble.

I would think decisions have already been made on the players who are out of contract (as shown by TL getting a new deal already) because you need to start working before now on identifying replacements if contract extensions are not to be offered. Same goes for Noble.

Likewise any potential new club would be mad to sign a player or coach based on his last seasons performance alone.

It's pointless exercise turning it on for the last season in the hope this is going to influence anything, the decisions will have already been made therefore I don't think the players or Noble are stupid enough to try it.

Dave

That's why I'd rather let them go - it indicates poor attitude on behalf of these individuals. And that has been a problem at this club since the days when Mike Gregory was the coach. Coley, I think, is a prime example of this - as I remember Salford fans warning us when we first signed him.

As for the coach, if he manages to get the team playing consistently and win some silverware for the club, I accept that it would be difficult to make the case to get rid (though I think we should).

In any case, perhaps we're getting ahead of ourselves - we've only won 3 games on the bounce.

I think in some cases players are put in the picture early on in the year and it suddenly dawns on them they are playing for there future and this sees them really buckle down.

Regards only signing a player for a bit of form towards the end of his deal see Warringtons signing of Higham...

Whats Ricky Stuart up to? I think he'd be a great club coach. Didn't really make the Ausies tick in the world cup but what a great pedigree throughout his carrer. He's been coached by the best, played with the best and beaten the best. i'd love him to come to Wigan.

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He's in charge of Cronulla who've lost their last seven games.

Go on I'll bite. Higham is the perfect example of a player who got a new club because he was good value for his three years here. Anyone who thinks different doesn't know a thing about the game and yes, that includes you

Happy now?

Dave

Nobody said it was a premeditated strategy. I don't think for a second that anybody at the club want to be anything but a success. But lots of things can happen over a contract (individual form may dip, the team may not gel) that puts a coach or player in a difficult position when it comes to contract renewal.

Imagine you're a player or coach with a good rep who came to Wigan and is perceived to have not delivered. We've had more than a few, so you can take your pick. Of course you want to restore your rep and get a new contract (here or elsewhere), that's what gives additional incentive to improve. The person digs deep so they can restore the reputation they once had.

If Noble takes to us a final this year, people won't be saying 'Noble only really coached in the last four months of his contract' - they'll say 'Noble showed his class at Bradford and he took his time, but in the end, he came through for Wigan.' That's why he'd get another contract and that's why underperforming professionals tends to focus around contract renewal time.

Agreed, i think there are many paralells that can be draw in life away from rugby, especially at the moment in this economic climate, with jobs being increasingly less secure across the board people focus that little extra more when they become uncomfortable and there future is on the line in an attempt to not be the next out of the door. Its human nature.