South Eastern’s Taine Woodford on battling cancer at 20, chasing his rugby league dreams

Ahead of this weekend’s Souths Juniors finals, we reveal the incredible bravery of a young man who has overcome cancer at 20 years old and now dreams of an NRL career. Here’s his incredible story.

Taine Woodford is a key part of South Eastern’s quest to claim its first A-grade title. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography

Going through cancer and chemotherapy at 20 years of age is barely thought of for elite footballers.

It’s a setback that would’ve proved too much for many to continue to chase their dreams in one of the most physical sports known to man - and you couldn’t blame them.

But not Taine Woodford.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs NSW Cup squad member and current South Eastern second rower took the biggest battle he will ever face head on and is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

After being diagnosed with seminoma mediastinal, resulting in a 12cm tumour between his heart and lungs, Woodford underwent intensive chemotherapy and is now in remission.

“I came into the Souths system in 2022 from the Dragons and ever since then progressed from Flegg into the NSW Cup squad,” he said.

Taine with his parents Jenny Woodford and Nathan Woodford during his battle. Picture: Contributed

“At the end of that year I was diagnosed with cancer and it stunted my season last year. I was trying to progress a bit quicker.

“It’s been a challenge not just physically but mentally as well. Trying to get past those demons and doubts, especially over the last year and a half. I’ve been trying to get my body back and mentally trying to stay fit.

“I’m still in remission and there is a mass leftover in my chest.

“It still requires constant check ups and blood tests. It’s a busy schedule. I like to be positive and think I’ve kicked it, but it is still in that remission stage.”

Woodford said the support of the wider league community helped through some of the toughest times

“I’m glad to have the people I have around me. My family, partner and both South Sydney and South Eastern. I’ve got the crew around me to get through anything,” he said.

“I don’t think I would’ve got through my treatment without the league community in general. Getting messages from random fans and Souths community members helped not only myself, but to see the support the community has.

“Souths and the district is like a family. Everyone looks after each other when they’re doing it tough and it shows how well Souths do in that aspect.”

Woodford is looking to get a full pre-season under his belt coming into the 2025 season

“My first goal will be to play week in, week out in NSW Cup with a proper pre-season,” he said.

“Obviously NRL is the aspiration, but I’m looking to put stones forward to get myself ready to play at the NSW Cup level.

“I want to have a massive pre-season. Touch wood there’s no hiccups and I can get my body right.”

Taine Woodford said defence is the key to taking down Mascot on Sunday. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography

Woodford has spoken glowingly about the support offered from South Eastern over the past year and a half, and he’s hoping to repay the faith in the form of a deep finals run in the Souths Juniors competition, starting with an elimination final against Mascot on Sunday.

The Seagulls are no strangers to walking the tightrope after downing Matraville to book their finals ticket, and Woodford believes defence is the key to knocking off the Jets.

“We came together at training last week and really rallied around each other on more of a personal level,” he said.

“We got together, trained hard and that put us in a good position.

“Over the last four weeks we’ve backed our defence when we’ve made an error or given away a penalty. That will again be massive for us and we’ll look to aim up for each other.”