A Sydney cyclist who shoved the elderly mother of former rugby league player Joe Thomas has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Daniel Paul Wood, 31, of Mascot, appeared in the NSW District Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to feloniously slaying 71-year-old Mary Touma on May 21, 2010.

The court has previously heard that Wood told a witness: "The bitch got in my way."

Wood was riding along Gardeners Road at Eastlakes when he became involved in a heated argument with Ms Touma. He got off his bike and pushed her.

Ms Touma hit her head on a brick wall and died later in hospital.

Wood was initially charged with murder but the charge was downgraded to manslaughter.

He will face a sentence hearing on March 15 next year.

AAP