He eventually elected to sign with the Bulldogs and switch permanently to rugby league though, having captained the club’s Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) side in 2023.
He also has excelled in rugby union.
Woods is a halfback, and won player of the match honours in this year’s Harold Matthews Cup grand final.
Player Spotlight | Mitch Woods
Harold Matt’s halfback Mitch Woods continues to impress with a hattrick against the Bears on Saturday. Woods is a cross code phenomenon representing NSW in AFL, and starring as a fullback for NSW Waratahs U15’s Rugby side. pic.twitter.com/w3ZAuK8T8P
— AndrewMacca (@Andrewmacca27) February 27, 2023
His decision to permanently move into rugby league was supported by all parties earlier this year, with Woods originally playing his junior rugby league in the St George district before switching to Canterbury, where he played for St Christophers.
“Mitchell could have chosen any number of sporting codes to pursue a professional career, our game is lucky that Mitchell has chosen rugby league… the Bulldogs are both honoured and excited that Mitchell has chosen our club,” club director of football Phil Gould said in a statement confirming the contract extension for Woods.
“He is obviously still young, and has a long way to go, we certainly won’t be rushing him but we won’t be holding him back either. I am extremely excited about his prospects.”
