Wests Tigers should have learnt from history the folly of having their best four players come off contract at the same time. Nor should the drama of unresolved contract issues affecting team performance be new to the club, albeit a joint-venture one.

The problem is that too many people on club boards and at NRL headquarters itself believe that modern rugby league began in 1998, post the Super League war. They ignore the lessons of the past.

Fibro triumph: Roy Masters (centre) with Wayne Smith (left) and Ron Giteau after Wests beat St George in the 1980 semi-finals. Credit:Robert Pearce

In 1979, Wests' semi-final campaign was derailed by whispers three of their best players – John Dorahy, Les Boyd and Ray Brown – would sign with rival clubs. As coach, I recall running laps of Lidcombe Oval before training with the players, only to notice the "big three" fall back behind the group and presumably discuss their futures.

I recall centre Wayne Smith suggesting we have a private fundraiser to retain the players, but it all seemed too difficult for a cash-strapped club to compete financially in a competition without a salary cap.