It is not often a 22-year-old prop with less than 100 NRL games plays such a valuable leadership role.
Then again, Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods is not your average first grade footballer.
Touted as a possible NSW Origin prop this season, Woods again showed his class and ability with another fine performance for Wests Tigers in the loss to Brisbane last Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Although not packing down directly against him, Woods had an intriguing battle with Queensland and Australian back-rower Sam Thaiday who later admitted how impressed he was with his ability and go forward.
With experienced prop Keith Galloway out indefinitely with a pectoral injury, Woods has had to carry much of the expectation of the forward pack on his young shoulders.
I dont mind the leadership role. Ill take it with both arms, Woods said today.
It is just frustrating not having Keith next to you. I sort of look up to him.
Woods said he was hoping his team could get a change of luck with Tim Moltzen, Blake Ayshford and Chris Lawrence being added to a heavy injury list.
Injuries are part of footy. You have got to cop the good and the bad. We have got the bad at the moment, Woods said.
Hopefully we will get the boys back soon and get on a roll and make the top eight. It is just frustrating at the moment.
It is a massive hole (to fill) but we have a lot of young blokes going well in the NSW Cup and the U20s, so they will step up against the Bulldogs this Friday night.
The Bulldogs are a good side. They have only just been losing games to quality sides like Cowboys and Melbourne.
They have had a bit of bad luck with injuries and suspensions. We just need to get a bit of good luck on our side.
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Then again, Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods is not your average first grade footballer.
Touted as a possible NSW Origin prop this season, Woods again showed his class and ability with another fine performance for Wests Tigers in the loss to Brisbane last Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Although not packing down directly against him, Woods had an intriguing battle with Queensland and Australian back-rower Sam Thaiday who later admitted how impressed he was with his ability and go forward.
With experienced prop Keith Galloway out indefinitely with a pectoral injury, Woods has had to carry much of the expectation of the forward pack on his young shoulders.
I dont mind the leadership role. Ill take it with both arms, Woods said today.
It is just frustrating not having Keith next to you. I sort of look up to him.
Woods said he was hoping his team could get a change of luck with Tim Moltzen, Blake Ayshford and Chris Lawrence being added to a heavy injury list.
Injuries are part of footy. You have got to cop the good and the bad. We have got the bad at the moment, Woods said.
Hopefully we will get the boys back soon and get on a roll and make the top eight. It is just frustrating at the moment.
It is a massive hole (to fill) but we have a lot of young blokes going well in the NSW Cup and the U20s, so they will step up against the Bulldogs this Friday night.
The Bulldogs are a good side. They have only just been losing games to quality sides like Cowboys and Melbourne.
They have had a bit of bad luck with injuries and suspensions. We just need to get a bit of good luck on our side.
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