Wests Tigers hit by Aaron Woods blow ahead of Bulldogs clash

IT’S not often a prop is the difference between winning and losing – but that’s the case with the Wests Tigers missing Aaron Woods when they face the Bulldogs.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Aaron Woods of the Tigers is tackled during the round three NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on March 22, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

IT is not often a prop can prove the difference between a team winning and losing – but that’s the case with the Wests Tigers without Aaron Woods.

Woods has racked up more than 200m in all three games this season, and was the star forward in a beaten side against Souths last week.

Coach Jason Taylor confirmed the bearded Woods was definitely no chance against Canterbury because of a knee injury he picked up against the Bunnies.

Dene Halatau (groin) and Kevin Naiqama (hand) also suffered setbacks in that game, with Taylor to make a call on that pair closer to kick off.

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The bookies wasted no time writing off the Tigers, with the Woods news making sure they drifted from $2.50 to $3.20 in betting.

Such drastic market moves are usually seen when a key playmaker like a Johnathan Thurston or Cooper Cronk breaks down — not a front-rower.

“It’s not major, and we’re pretty confident he’ll play next round, but there was a really big risk of him being out for five or six weeks if Woodsy had played with his knee again [Friday] night,’’ Taylor said.

“The size of the Dogs’ forward pack is a big factor in this game, and everybody who plays against them tries to pick their biggest team.

“To have our No.1 front-rower out is a blow. He’s been enormous for us.’’

Taylor said he would rely on fellow forwards including Keith Galloway and Marty Taupau to punch through some extra minutes to compensate for the loss of Woods.

Getting the big men in the middle to play more minutes will become vital if the NRL presses ahead with its plans to reduce the interchange, according to Taylor.

“It might not necessarily be the case where the big (props) disappear, it just means they’ll have to change their body shapes and play longer minutes, and that takes time,’’ Taylor told The Daily Telegraph.

“You can start working on that in one off-season.

“But for some guys, no matter how much they trim down, they will never be long-minute players.’’

Taylor hopes a call is made on the interchange sooner rather than later because it will have a bearing on the players clubs recruit.

Meanwhile, with Tigers winger Pat Richards also missing from tonight’s ANZ Stadium clash because of suspension, Mitch Moses will take over the kicking duties.

Originally published as Wests Tigers hit by Aaron Woods blow ahead of Bulldogs clash