Aaron Woods is reportedly set to return to the Tigers to reunite with Benji Marshall.
Tim Sheens has made his stance on Luke Brooks clear while a rugby union star is open to an NRL switch.
WOODS’ TIGERS HOMECOMING
Aaron Woods is reportedly set for a huge Tigers homecoming to link up with former teammate and incoming assistant coach Benji Marshall.
Marshall and Woods recently met on the Gold Coast according to The Daily Telegraph, and a third-party sponsor is reportedly willing to contribute to a potential deal.
The Dragons reportedly won’t block a potential move for the 31-year-old, who has played 252 NRL games.
The Tigers are also reportedly closing in on the signing of former Raider John Bateman, which leaves only two roster spots left in the merger club’s top 30.
While Woods would likely play off the bench and mentor the club’s younger forwards including Fonua Pole and Stefano Utoikamanu, Fox league’s Greg Alexander wasn’t convinced he is a good addition.
“Back with Benji, I don’t know if the signing of Aaron Woods makes the Tigers a better team, he will be backup,” Alexander said.
“They have got a handful of younger front rowers, Aaron Woods will add something but I think mostly he will be coming off the bench.
“Aaron Woods signing doesn’t spell the Tigers are going great, John Bateman is probably a key signing to get.”
UNION GUN’S CROSS-CODE SWITCH
Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has revealed he would be open to a cross-code switch to finish his playing career.
The 34-year-old is currently recovering from an Achilles injury and is focused on recovering in times for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Despite being approached to play rugby league on multiple occasions, Cooper has carved out a successful career in the 15-man code, but could finally ply his trade in the NRL.
“I definitely wouldn’t say no to an opportunity like that,” Cooper told the SMH.
“It would be a conversation I would enjoy having. Whether or not someone is interested in having a conversation is a different story.
“You can’t answer that without having a conversation. I’d have the conversation.”
Cooper also revealed he had almost secured a deal with the Eels in 2011 and he was “99 per cent” going to sign the contract before rugby union powerbrokers stepped in.
“It was a last-minute phone call from the Australian Rugby Union, they got wind of it. I feel if they didn’t get wind of it, I probably would have gone,” Cooper said.
“It was literally moments before I was going to sign, I ended up staying in Queensland and we ended up winning the championship the following year. Those are pivotal moments in your life and career. As I said, I’m content with the choices that I made.
“I do still have a soft spot, I don’t know if I will get an opportunity to play rugby league, especially not at NRL level. At the end of the day I will probably end up going and playing at some stage, even if it’s local footy.”
SHEENS MAKES BROOKS STANCE CLEAR
Tigers coach Tim Sheens has made his stance clear on the never-ending speculation surrounding the Knights signing Brooks stating “I want Luke here”.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to the Hunter since Mitchell Pearce’s departure ahead of the 2022 season.
While Brooks is currently free to negotiate with rivals for 2024 and beyond, Sheens won’t be releasing the million-dollar halfback this season.
“It’s not our intention to release him, and there’s been no request from Newcastle. It’s been talked and talked and talked about,” Sheens told the SMH.
“He’s due to turn up here on November 14, and I’m looking forward to working with him. Benji (Marshall) and I are looking forward to getting our hands on him.
“Right at the moment, there’s been no movement from the Knights and we’re moving forward with him as our halfback.
The Tigers reportedly won’t begin contract negotiations with both Brooks and Adam Doueihi until 2023, leaving them open for rivals to swoop.
Sheens also explained he was the man who convinced Brooks to stay at the club a decade ago before being sacked.
The 72-year-old is now excited by the prospect of coaching the halfback in 2023.
“The last thing I did at the Tigers was to convince him, Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco to sign here. They were our next spine at the time,” Sheens said.
“I never got the chance to work with Brooksy then. I’m looking forward to working with him now next year.”
