Smith wouldn't have a contract if relegated. That's why they are renegotiating dual league contracts for some.

No, but I reckon he'd be one of the more realistic retentions and he's proven at Championship level.

Indeed

That's how I remember it....

According to Applegarth in League Express we've Jowitt, Dagger, Gale, Lino, Smith, Hood and Bowes all signed up for next year.

Saw that. Didn't realise Hood and Smith were signed up.

Hood got a new two year contract right at the start of the season (Dont know why)
Smith was signed on for two years.
Therefore Applegarth is technically correct in one way, however when relegated They may not be required

We must have been planning way ahead if we gave them dual contracts.
I'm assuming theirs will be cancelled if relegated whereas the others still count but I don't know that.

Whitbread too signed a three year deal in 2021, granted it will be a SL contract though.

Can see him going back to the NRL

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.