Now have an option to demote MA, put him under a more experienced coach for 12 months to gain more experience or less surprising option, give the job to Gale.

I really rate Harry Bowes and would love to keep him. Perhaps his age prevents anyone getting him without a transfer fee.

Linked with Hull FC for next season.

How does it work if we go down?

Are all contracts null and void, and have to be renegotiated?

Or is the contract still valid if we continue to pay it? So could Whitbread potentially stay without renegotiation if we continue to pay him the original terms?

I'm not certain for the UK players but most Aussies sign SL contracts so do have a "get out" clause to hand should they want to use it.

Super League contracts are just that. Contracts to play in Super League. The clause was put in place to stop teams having to pay SL wages to those on long contracts when relegation meant income was slashed.

What Wakefield seem to be doing is offering a contract that applies to both leagues so giving security to the player and allowing the club to build early.
The pay scale may be different or we may agree to pay the same as SL. That's on an individual basis.