Anzac Test: Aaron Woods says Australian side is not split along State of Origin lines

AARON Woods says the back-to-strength Kangaroos are united despite the tugs of State of Origin allegiance.

Kangaroos training at Easts Leagues Club, Coorparoo. Pic Mark Cranitch.

AARON Woods says the back-to-strength Kangaroos are united despite the tugs of State of Origin allegiance.

Queensland Origin players were privately furious at NSW prop Woods last year when he criticised Brent Tate over complaints he made about a tackle on him by Blues No.6 Josh Reynolds in Origin I.

Woods foreshadowed there would be “revenge’’ against Tate in Origin II last June.

The Tigers prop admits he did not know how Queensland and NSW players mixed in camp before his debut appearances for Australia in the Four Nations series four months later.

BRASHER: Slater’s made a big mistake

“I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been really cool,’’ Woods said.

“It’s not about your state.

“It’s always brushed aside when you come in to play for your country. You don’t want to go in for the wrong reasons.

“Last year, I got to meet a few of the Queensland guys I hadn’t met before. All the boys were really welcoming, from on the first day of camp. I’m rooming with Matt Scott this time and he’s one of the best blokes I’ve met.’’

Woods said Australia, who have firmed to $1.35 favouritism with some betting agencies, would benefit in Friday’s clash with New Zealand from having more specialist props than the injury-hit side who lost the Four Nations series.

“We are bigger in the middle maybe. A lot of the guys are in their main position this time,’’ he said.

“There are quite a few front-rowers now - myself, Matt Scott, James Tamou, Trent Merrin and Nate Myles too.

“All I was hoping for last year was to be part of the squad. This time I want to do my part for the team and for us to win for sure.’’

Woods says he will go into a thunderous rematch in the forwards with New Zealand alongside a prop, Scott, he rates the best in the world.

“Jesse Bromwich is up there too. To see how Matt goes through the week, I’ve got goosebumps about this whole thing,’’ he said.

“It’s good fun how hard it is going to be.

“It’s what playing footy is all about - it’s why I play, to hit it up and make tackles.’’

Originally published as Anzac Test: Aaron Woods says Australian side is not split along State of Origin lines