NSW and Australian representative front rower Aaron Woods as agreed to a mid-season switch to the Sharks which could potentially see him running out in Cronulla colours as soon as Friday night when the Sharks play the Warriors in New Zealand.
The new deal will see Woods join the Sharks for the remainder of 2018, as well as the 2019-20 and 2021 seasons.
Since debuting for the Wests Tigers in 2011, the 27-year-old Woods has played 160 NRL games, along with 14 Origin's for NSW and 15 Tests Matches for Australia.
In 2018 he has played in all 14 games for the Bulldogs in the NRL, while missing just two games for the Tigers in 2017.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan was understandably thrilled to secure the services of a player of Woods calibre for the next three and a half seasons.
"Aaron is a quality player and I am confident he can add something to our team this year and into the future," Flanagan said. "I also believe our club can help Aaron get back to the previous form which had him playing for NSW and Australia.
"We're pleased to have him on board and look forward to what he can bring to our team."
Woods was expected at Sharks training later today and after consultation with Flanagan and the club's high-performance staff will be considered for inclusion in the team to play the Warriors on Friday night.
The Sharks leave for Auckland tomorrow.
Aaron Woods
Born – March 13, 1991
Junior Club – Leichhardt Juniors
Height – 194 cm
Weight – 111kgs
Rep honours – 15 tests for Australia
- 14 games for NSW Origin
- 2 games City Origin
NRL debut – Tigers v Bulldogs, ANZ Stadium, round 1, 2011
