The New Zealand Warriors are emerging as a potential destination for off-contract Wests Tigers skipper Aaron Woods, after talks with Ben Matulino have stalled.
Matulino, off-contract at the season's end as well, is understood to be a target for rumoured incoming Tigers coach Ivan Cleary, who gave the 28-year-old his first NRL start in 2008 and the two have kept contact according to Channel Seven Rugby League reporter Josh Massoud.
Massoud has reported that Matulino is after NZ$700,000 a year and a car if he is to re-sign with the under pressure New Zealand club, and with both sides failing to reach an agreement the club has now turned their attention to the highly-rated Woods.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has been head-strong in his mission to sign an elite NRL forward, and having missed out on Jason Taumalolo and Jessie Bromwich, Massoud said the former Kiwi international is willing to break the bank to secure the services Woods.
The Bulldogs, Roosters, Parramatta and South Sydney are also gunning for the State of Origin and Australian front rower.
Newshub.
