Brad Fittler attacks Aaron Woods

BRAD Fittler has launched a scathing attack on a NSW Origin star for his off-field activities during the week.

Brad Fittler says Aaron Woods’ behaviour was out of line.

BRAD Fittler has launched a scathing attack on Wests Tigers star Aaron Woods for his off-field activities.

Last week the Tigers captain was photographed having lunch with several Bulldogs players before news broke he had reportedly signed to join Canterbury in 2018. Dogs coach Des Hasler maintains nothing has been finalised with the NSW prop — or Kieran Foran, also reported to be heading to Belmore next season — but it’s been widely put forward in the media Woods will wear the blue and white next season.

It led to a debate as to whether Woods — who is yet to publicly address news of a move — was justified in socialising with players he will likely stand alongside next year before Tigers fans knew of his alleged impending departure.

Adding further fuel to the fire is the fact it happened in the lead up to this Sunday’s clash between the Tigers and Bulldogs.

Fittler said it was poor form from the 26-year-old.

“Seeing Aaron Woods having lunch with Bulldogs players in the week — I’m really looking forward to asking Ivan Cleary how he felt when he saw the photo because it’s nearly a disgrace, well it is a disgrace,” Fittler said on the Sunday Footy Show.

“The team he’s playing next week and having lunch with them — I really can’t stomach that.”

Andrew Johns said Woods’ form has been off in recent weeks and he needs a big showing against Canterbury to reaffirm his commitment to the club.

“Aaron Woods has to have a really big game today, he’s been really disappointing,” Johns said.

Matthew Johns shared a similar sentiment to Fittler when discussing whether Woods’ actions were acceptable.

“No way, not when you’re negotiating with that club and that club is still under the assumption you may stay there (at the Tigers) and you’re playing that club this week,” he said on The Late Show on Thursday.

“They could have at least gone somewhere less public, be a little discreet ... come on.”

But Queensland legend Gorden Tallis had no problem with Woods having a coffee with mates and neither did former Eels captain Nathan Hindmarsh.

“I don’t have an issue with it at all ... it would not worry me one bit,” Hindmarsh said.

Woods will be a huge loss for the Tigers.

Even with all the drama surrounding the representative front rower, Tigers coach Ivan Cleary says Woods is likely to remain captain for the rest of the season.

“At this stage, Aaron’s the captain of the club and he’ll remain that,” Cleary said on Saturday.

Asked if Woods would keep the role for the rest of the year, Cleary said: “I would be very surprised if that didn’t happen.

“I mean, he’s the captain.

“I’m sure this is a difficult process for everyone involved, but he’s the captain of the team. And I’m sure he’ll show that (against the Bulldogs).”

Cleary was reluctant to comment further on Woods’ and James Tedesco’s decision to let a contract deadline pass on Friday without reaching out to the club, but was determined to move on in the market place.

Cleary, who was appointed as Tigers coach less than three weeks ago, admitted change was difficult for all concerned at the club.

“The reality is, there’s a professional environment and everybody’s got different ideals and goals,” he said. “I, and we, respect everyone’s goals and that’s how we’ll always be. We are going to change at this club.

“The reality is, history shows there hasn’t been sustained success. So that’s what we’re going to try and gauge.

“Looking forward to doing it.”

— with AAP

Originally published as Brad Fittler attacks Aaron Woods