Woods needs needle for Cup decider
Aaron Woods has confirmed he’ll need a painkilling injection in order to take the field for Australia in the Rugby League World Cup final against England on Saturday.
Woods aggravated an AC joint injury in his shoulder in last week’s semi-final against Fiji and there was some doubt about whether he would be fit to face off against the English.
The Canterbury-bound prop said medical staff assured him the injury wouldn’t worsen if he plays.
“I had my first run today, didn’t do any contact, but it feels pretty good,” Woods said of his shoulder.
“I’ve just got to do rehab all week, no contact at training and probably just get needled before the game. It can’t get worse.
“I sat down with the physio and doc and they just said it can’t get any worse, it’ll probably be aggravated throughout the week and afterwards for a couple of weeks.
“It’s a pretty common injury in rugby league, the AC joint, so it’s just something I have to put up with in the meantime.”
Josh McGuire is battling an ankle injury and missed training yesterday but backrower Matt Gillett said the lock would play.
“He’ll be fine, it was just a bit of a precaution there with his ankle,” Gillett said.
“He’ll just stay off his feet as much as he can and I’m sure he’ll be at training tomorrow.”
For England, coach Wayne Bennett has named James Roby as Josh Hodgson’s starting hooker replacement.
Hodgson will be sidelined for up to nine months after suffering an ACL injury.
Chris Heighington comes onto the bench, while Sean O’Loughlin has been named despite picking up a shoulder issue last weekend.