Aaron Woods’ season from hell has continued, with the beleaguered Wests Tigers captain almost certain to miss the State of Origin series opener through injury.
Scans have shown the front-rower tore a hamstring in the Tigers’ 22-16 loss to Cronulla last Saturday night and he will be sidelined for up to eight weeks.
The best-case scenario is Woods will be fit again in four weeks, leaving the Canterbury-bound NSW enforcer racing the clock for Origin I in Brisbane on May 31.
In a worst-case scenario, he could also miss the second game in Sydney on June 21.
“It’s quite frustrating. Front-rowers don’t do ‘hammies’, but I think it’s four to eight weeks,” Woods told Fox Sports’ NRL 360 program on Tuesday night.
“With hamstrings, it’s how you react to when you run. So it just depends.
“I think I’ll have my first run session in a week or two and just see how it reacts to that.
“They said four to eight weeks. That’s sort of as a guide and we’ll just see how it goes from there.”
Woods’ setback comes after he was ruled out of Friday’s Anzac Test against New Zealand and months of controversy over his future ended with his decision to leave the Tigers at season’s end.
The popular 26-year-old Balmain junior was booed by home fans and subjected to derogatory banners from the Tigers faithful after leading the side out against the Sharks following his decision to defect to Belmore in 2018.
Now Woods faces the grim prospect of missing the entire Origin campaign, should coach Laurie Daley decide against any mid-series changes for the Blues.
Woods admitted he was no certainty to play again before Origin I.
“I’d love to say I would, but I’m just not sure. I’ve never really (had this injury),” he said.
The 11-game Origin stalwart feared the worst after landing awkwardly in a tackle at Leichhardt Oval at the weekend.
“I knew straight away. It was just a bad tackle. I just got in a terrible situation and it’s just something that happens in rugby league,” Woods said.
“It’s a contact sport and you’ve got to expect that to happen sometimes.”
Bonza
Guest
Oops, my bad. Sorry Roar, I seem to have double posted same comment. If possible please delete one. I blame sausage fingers on child friendly phone. Appreciated.
Bonza
Guest
My favourite Blues props always had a nice mix of crazy aggro / skill. Hello Blocker, Chief, Spud, Lazzo, Ogre...etc. Not media friendly great blokes. Paulo/James/Vaughn please.
Bonza
Guest
My favourite Blues props always had a nice mix of crazy aggro / skill. Hello Blocker, Chief, Spud, Lazzo, Ogre...etc. Not media friendly great blokes. Paulo/James/Vaughn please.
matth
Guest
Damn
JOey B
Guest
What do players get paid for Origin now? 30-50k per match? That's a costly hamstring injury. Zero sympathy for the grub though. He well and truly lost me when he came out saying he wants out of the Tigers because he wants to play finals football. Then when he realised what an insult that was to the fans, he comes out saying 'what I meant was, I want to play finals footy this year, with the tigers.' What a load of B.S. Not only is he a spinless leader who deserts a sinking ship, he also obviously views the fans as fools! The big dope can go to the dogs now for all I care. I hope the tigers fans continue to boo him all season.
steveng
Roar Rookie
I second that 'Johnno', Woods is a big panda bear and has done nothing for the Blues. There should be more taken out and then the Blues might have a chance!
johnno
Guest
a real loss for queensland !!!!!
Jay
Guest
When you come to Bulldogs please have a shave a haircut , say Hasler will want this also
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Outstanding Maybe we can get some forwards with a little go forward into the fray. So sorry to see you go Mr Woods. Now all we have to do is hobble Farrah and Pearce and we may have a shot.
StAdam
Guest
Unlucky for Woods, however, I agree with the above comments. Time to give R James, Vaughan, Trbojevic, McClean, or Paulo a go. After last years efforts (only 35 running metres in over 45 mins of game 2) Tamou should hopefully never wear the sky blue jersey again. Penrith have paid massive, massive overs for him unfortunately.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
That will all depend on his replacement. If Tamou gets the nod ,rather than VaughnI think we're probably worse off . If Vaughn is given a run ,I think we'll get a look at what a Origin prop should go like .
Raugeee
Guest
I'd say the Blues are very fortunate to have him out of action.
Brett the Manly Fan
Guest
Always a shame to see someone go down with an injury but this is a great chance to give a new forward a go at Origin. Personally i would have James Tamou take his place and throw a young gun on the bench like Ryan James or Junior Paulo. 8. Andrew Fafita 9.???? Robbie probably will be chosen 10. James Tamou 11. Boyd Cornder 12. Wade Graham 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Jack Bird 15. David Klemmer 16. Jake Trebo 17. Junior Paulo/ De Belin/ James