Manly coach Anthony Seibold has revealed that he picked the brains of the Trbojevic brothers before pressing the go button
on a deal to bring veteran front rower Aaron Woods to the club.
Woods will begin training with the Sea Eagles on Tuesday
after his swap deal with youngsters Viliame Fifita and Alec Tuitavake was confirmed late on Monday.
The 32-year-old Woods played 19 games with St George Illawarra but looks destined to finish his career on Sydney’s northern beaches, having joined the Sea Eagles with immediate effect.
Fifita and Tuitavake have gone in the opposite direction.
Aaron Woods has joined the Sea Eagles after the Trbojevic brothers vouched for him. Picture: Getty
Woods was a regular fixture in the Dragons side after joining the club last year and Seibold has revealed that his former State of Origin teammates Tom and Jake Trbojevic played a role in the decision to bring him to Manly.
“It’s a good opportunity to add some experience,” Seibold said.
“I spoke to Jake and Tom, who have played with him at Origin and with the Kangaroos. They both agreed he’d be a good fit at our club.
“He was also at the Wests Tigers when Josh Aloiai and Taniela Paseka were young fellas. I spoke to Flanno and Jimmy Dymock. Flanno coached him at Cronulla and the Dragons and Jimmy at the Bulldogs.
“All the feedback was really positive on what he could do for us. Woodsy know he starts in reserve grade and has to earn his spot. He’s a man’s man and he’s really excited about coming.
“He’s coming to Mudgee and it will be great that he’s got time with the group this week. We’re looking forward to him making a contribution.”
Woods admitted it was nice to feel wanted after it emerged the Trbojevic brothers were key figures in his move to Manly.
Tom Trbojevic was consulted over the recruitment of Woods to Manly. Picture: Getty
Woods won’t play NRL this weekend, when Manly play Newcastle, and is expected to make his debut as a Sea Eagles via NSW Cup on Sunday.
He supported Manly as a boy and admitted he was overjoyed to hear that Jake and Tom Trbojevic had pushed for the move.
“It makes you feel like you are wanted,” Woods said.
“It was nice to hear those guys want you there. They are the ones who wanted me there.
“I just want to get in and meet all the boys. I was a big Manly fan growing up and it’s great to play for a club that you loved supporting.”
Woods revealed he only found out on Friday of the potential move to Manly and said he harboured no I’ll will towards the Dragons, having played 19 games for the club over the past two seasons.
“I had a really good time, met some good people there and they are a great club,” Woods said.
“I hope they go well. It is good for rugby league if they are going well because they are a powerhouse club.”
