Aaron Woods admits he hasn’t spoken to NSW coach Brad Fittler

After five Origin series for New South Wales Aaron Woods was axed from the side without as much as a phone call and says he hasn’t spoken to new coach Brad Fittler once since he took over.

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After five Origin series and 14 games for New South Wales Aaron Woods looked like he’d be a Blues mainstay, at least in Laurie Daley’s side.

But Daley’s departure and the arrival of new coach Brad Fittler in 2018 put an end to Woods’ time as a representative player on the state level. Not that Woods is kicking stones about his axing.

“No, I’ve never spoken to Freddie. I didn’t speak to him last year either… my form didn’t warrant it and I accepted it,” he said.

Aaron Woods still has ambitions to play for New South Wales. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

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While Woods has never spoken to Fittler since he took over, the Cronulla forward’s aspirations to put on the sky blue jumper has never wavered.

“The desire is always there. But they had a side that won the series last year it will be hard to make changes. I want to do my best for the Sharks and that’s coming off the bench and doing my role,” he said.

“If you play some good, consistent footy, your form warrants it.

Woods said Blues coach Brad Fittler hasn’t been in touch with him since taking over the role. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“I’m not going to come out and talk about crap like other players do. When I worry about too many other things the head falls off.”

The Sharks will take on a North Queensland Cowboys outfit missing powerhouse forward Jason Taumalolo through injury in Townsville on Saturday night.

Woods admitted not having to tackle Taumalolo “is a relief” but insisted the Cronulla pack would still be tested by the Cowboys’ representative engine room despite the Tongan international’s omission.

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“They’ve lost Taumalolo but I think you look at their whole pack, they still have Matt Scott and Jordan Mclean, he’s a current Australian front rower. Then you have guys like John Asiata who can fill in, and he’s a ball player as a middle forward.”

But Woods’ attempt to downplay the loss of Taumalolo doesn’t stack up numbers wise. According to Fox Sports Lab, the contest upfront is much more evenly matched and slightly in favour of Cronulla’s big men when you discount Taumalolo’s impact on the Cowboys’ pack in the opening rounds.

The Sharks forwards have the upper hand, having made 1452 run metres and 11 tackle busts compared to the Cowboys’ 1331 run metres and six tackle busts.

Originally published as Aaron Woods admits he hasn’t spoken to NSW coach Brad Fittler