Is Woods actually a lock?

[MacDougall]

Is Aaron Woods a lock by 2013 standards? He gets through huge minutes and could put in 80 if he had to. Is he actually playing the Gallen/Fensom/Merrin role? If we were at full strength would we be better served with another four blokes in the prop rotation and Woods at lock?

 

[Frank_the_tank]

Its worth a thought but simple answer…......NO.
He's playing like a champion where he is. I'd leave him in the front row.

 

[MacDougall]

Wouldn't change his job at all and I get the if it ain't broke don't fix it thing, but he's the only player we have who is that kind of lock. We could just roll with a four person prop rotation with Woods at lock.

 

[Milky]

Not sure about this may work out and may not but right now we are short on props and have Siro and Santi soon to be first grade locks.

 

[MacDougall]

Santi maybe but Sironen is not a lock in the 2013 sense of the role.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

I wouldn't rule it out. I think he has all the makings of being another Paul Gallen

 

[happy_tiger]

Why ,Why, Why would you move Woods ?? Yes he could play Lock ,but why move him ,what will it acheve ??

 

[MacDougall]

I'm not saying to move him so much. I'm saying that I think he already is a 13 by 2013 standards. He's more of a Paul Gallen than a Matt Scott imo. The elusiveness, long minutes, hands … I don't think changing the number on his back is necessary so much other than to give more focus to the type of prop we need. We need some brainless, brick with eyes type props.

 

[Black_n_White]

I think we are already asking too much of the guy as it is, even go so far to suggest that if we could cut his time on the park we may even see him elevate.

 

[Goose]

He is playing a role very similar to lock at the moment, you could bring in another prop, and throw one of them the 13 jersay.
The difference between prop and lock is narrowing, the main difference is that the props normally take a few extra hit ups and earlier in the count, everything else is more or less the same.

 

[happy_tiger]

The other issue is if we play him as a lock will NSW selectors then see him as a lock ,and then he misses out as they choose Gallen if he is fit ??

Would be a massive shame if this occurs he has well and truly earned a call up to the Blues , even if it is to get beaten by the mighty Maroons

 

[LaT]

Woods has the talent to fill any role in the pack, bar hooker. But its as a prop where he will reach his full potential.

 

[MacDougall]

The other issue is if we play him as a lock will NSW selectors then see him as a lock ,and then he misses out as they choose Gallen if he is fit ??

Would be a massive shame if this occurs he has well and truly earned a call up to the Blues , even if it is to get beaten by the mighty Maroons

Lol dunno about that when Gallen gets selected as a prop anyway.

I think 13 is just a third, more athletic, more fit prop in most sides.

 

[barra]

I think 13 is just a third, more athletic, more fit prop in most sides.

I agree, and Woods should be left where he is.

 

[Saturnalia]

As someone whose too young to remember what locks used to do,

Can anyone elaborate on what they did different to today?

 

[happy_tiger]

As someone whose too young to remember what locks used to do,

Can anyone elaborate on what they did different to today?

Depends who the lock was Sataris

Some would sit as a floating defender about 10-15 metres behind the line ,and try and shut down any half breaks and would attempt to cut down clean breaks with cover defending tackles

A lot in attack were ball players or hole runners and could just as easily played in the 6 jersey Blokes like Wally Lewis (when he was a lock ),Raper ,Matterson,Langmack,John Ribot (when he was a lock)

Most locks were probably some of the quickest players in the side back in those days over short distances

Some where just hardheads who were just workaholics and tackling machines Vautins , Clydes,Pearces,Lindners

Most locks weren't as big as the props and second rowers until the early 90's when size was more an issue than skill and defensive structures really changed when slide ,up and in ,compressed lines etc etc etc

Back 20-30 years ago having a very good lock meant something ,it was said if you had a good 6,7 and 8 (13 now) you had the makings of a good side

Particularly in the late 80 early to mid ninties the teams than won premierships most premiers had strength in those positions

Hope that helps Sataris

 

[Saturnalia]

As someone whose too young to remember what locks used to do,

Can anyone elaborate on what they did different to today?

Depends who the lock was Sataris

Some would sit as a floating defender about 10-15 metres behind the line ,and try and shut down any half breaks and would attempt to cut down clean breaks with cover defending tackles

A lot in attack were ball players or hole runners and could just as easily played in the 6 jersey Blokes like Wally Lewis (when he was a lock ),Raper ,Matterson,Langmack,John Ribot (when he was a lock)

Most locks were probably some of the quickest players in the side back in those days over short distances

Some where just hardheads who were just workaholics and tackling machines Vautins , Clydes,Pearces,Lindners

Most locks weren't as big as the props and second rowers until the early 90's when size was more an issue than skill and defensive structures really changed when slide ,up and in ,compressed lines etc etc etc

Back 20-30 years ago having a very good lock meant something ,it was said if you had a good 6,7 and 8 (13 now) you had the makings of a good side

Particularly in the late 80 early to mid ninties the teams than won premierships most premiers had strength in those positions

Hope that helps Sataris

Very nice explanation!

 

[everett]

Woods can play anywhere. A freak of a player.

My concerns are as follows;

1\. Is he going to burn himself out playing long minutes and huge workload

2\. Will another stronger club put in a huge bid for him and he leaves us. As a former Western Suburbs fan I have seen plenty of decent props up an leave for better money and opportunity to win a premiership.

I would sign him for life and get him some decent help.

 

[stevetiger]

I think 13 is just a third, more athletic, more fit prop in most sides.

I think typically this is the case. Pettybourne filled that role for us last week and he did it well. Woods could do it easily.

 

[Shooshmeister]

He could defitley play both positions. He has good footwork and ball skills. Basically aloows another big bopper in your team.