Aaron Woods concedes he could be forced out by Canterbury’s salary cap mess however the Sydney Roosters have ruled themselves out of the race for the former NSW prop.
Woods is only seven months into a four-year NRL deal with Canterbury but could be granted an early release as they attempt to balance the books.
The Bulldogs have already granted Moses Mbye permission to leave for Wests Tigers next year and more of their big name stars could leave Belmore in an effort to ease their salary cap squeeze.
Woods – who was dropped by the Blues for the State of Origin series opener – has been linked to Cronulla, Newcastle and his old outfit the Tigers as well as the Roosters.
Asked about the prospect of being moved on despite having over three seasons to run on his deal, he told Sky Sports Radio: “It sucks.
“The people here at the club are unreal. I’ve really enjoyed my time here but sometimes things do happen in rugby league that are out of your control sometimes.
“It’s the way you react and it tests your character. If it’s meant to be I’m here, I’ll love it and I’ll stay and take it with both hands.
“But if I have to move on, it’s just part of life, there’s no point holding grudges.”
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan was on Friday coy about his club’s interest, declaring he wasn’t prepared to play out talks through the media.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was emphatic in saying they were never in the running for Woods’ services.
“It’s not true at all,” he said.
“It’s something we don’t usually talk about but when it’s talk about our forwards, it’s ridiculous. There’s no interest at all.”
Props Dylan Napa and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves have been panned during the Roosters’ inconsistent opening to the season, sparking rumours they are looking to bolster their stocks.
Martin Taupau is contracted to Manly until the end of next year but like Woods, could be forced to move as a result of his club’s salary cap problems.
However Robinson said the answer was the same.
“There’s no interest at all. We’ve been building this squad, we’re in a strong position, we want better out of ourselves and we’re working towards that.”
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