Woods never thought he would leave the Tigers, but now faces the chance of having three clubs in as many seasons. Canterbury officials revealed earlier this month they were unable to enter the player market until 2021 as they deal with a series of back-ended deals, some which rise by as much as $600,000. Woods is in the first year of a big-money deal, and despite being one of the most consistent props in the game, risks being snubbed by Brad Fittler when he names his NSW team on Monday. The Bulldogs have not had any discussions about Woods with the Knights or any other club, but Fairfax Media understands the club is aware of Newcastle's interest and prepared to consider any request. The Knights are in the market for an experienced front-rower and are prepared to pay good money after they went all in for Matt Scott and then Jarrod Wallace.

Both those players came close to moving to the Hunter, only to remain at North Queensland and the Gold Coast respectively. They did have success with premiership prop and Queensland representative Tim Glasby for next season. There were suggestions Woods was not the explosive type of front-rower that appealed to Brown, but the club would entertain him if they could jag him at the right price. Brett and Josh Morris are both leaving Belmore at the end of the season, as will Greg Eastwood. Moses Mbye is close to signing a deal to join the Tigers from next season as a fullback.

Canterbury's dire salary-cap situation means they will not rule out any approach from clubs if the money is right. They are under the cap for this season and do not have to shed any players. "But it could be a case of short-term pain for long-term gain," one Belmore source said on Saturday night. Loading Woods was shattered when he left the Tigers, and former teammate Luke Brooks quipped this week he could even be booed by supporters at ANZ Stadium if the reaction to another favourite son, James Tedesco, was anything to go by in the opening round. The 27-year-old is best friends with David Klemmer, who also attracted interest from rivals, only for club boss Andrew Hill to confirm he was one of the few players not for sale.

Woods left a huge impression at the Tigers, with prop Matt Eisenhuth praising the former captain for helping him adjust to life in first grade. Eisenhuth, who inked a two-year extension on Friday, said of Woods' influence: "He's a good bloke, I learned a lot off him, but there will be some banter out there, he's got a bit of a mouth on him, so we'll see how we go. Hopefully we get bragging rights over him."