PAUL Cullen could be set to sign a new contract as head coach of Warrington Wolves.

Cullen's current contract expires at the end of the season and speculation about his future has rumbled on throughout the year, with the national media linking other names to the job for 2008.

But the speculation could soon be brought to an end with Wolves' board thought to be ready to hand Cullen a new deal after a recent upturn in performances.

Wolves have won four of their last five matches, securing a crushing 60-20 victory at Hull KR on Sunday, to overcome their early-season injury crisis and move back into Super League's top six.

The board and Cullen are still making no comment about the situation, though, sticking to their usual policy of not talking about potential contracts until they are signed and sealed.

Cullen is Super League's longest-serving coach, having been in charge of Wolves since 2002, and guided the club to their first play-off victory in the Super League era at Leeds last season.

And the Warringtonian was happy with his side's 11-try demolition of Hull KR at the weekend, with Wolves having won their last three games with an aggregate of 149 points to 54.

He said: "I'm pleased that the players have got good reward for the way they have worked, not only this week but through a very difficult period. We're showing some good form and looking that little bit healthier.

"Before the game was done, when we rattled up some very good tries and played with some great quality, it was the defensive effort that was the most striking factor.

"We managed everything early in the game that they could possibly throw at us. They were going to be at their healthiest at the start of both halves but we've dominated defensively then and scored some great tries as well.

"As the guys become more healthy, the injury crisis has abated and you can see the confidence coming back - and the confidence coming back on the way we have worked on the defence for a considerable period."