7th Tackle: Shock contender to sign Aaron Woods

The New Zealand Warriors are emerging as a shock candidate for off-contract Tigers skipper Aaron Woods, after talks to re-sign Ben Matulino stalled recently.

And in an even bigger twist the Tigers have already made contact with Matulino's management - an enquiry that's expected to escalate when Ivan Cleary is appointed coach.

The former Warriors mentor gave Matulino his first NRL start in 2008 and has remained a fan.

MORE 7TH TACKLE:

• The Tigers players furious with Taylor sacking

• Final sticking point in Cleary's Tigers deal

• Storm's touching tribute to Brett Kimmorley

• Controversial contender to host NSW camp

• How Bulldogs dropped the ball on Connor Watson

• Sea Eagles poach 200cm monster from Tigers

We can also reveal Warriors coach Steve Kearney is a big admirer of Woods, whose prolonged contract saga is arguably the game's biggest talking point at present.

Both are managed by the same agent - Isaac Moses. Both also use the same mind coach for their off-field development - Moses's close mate Joe Wehbe.

Kearney even engaged Wehbe to speak with Eels players while he was coaching Parramatta in 2012.

It was there he earned the nickname "football whisperer" after running alongside them during conditioning drills and asking for their thoughts.

Kearney also invited Wehbe into Kiwis camp while coaching New Zealand. And there's no secret he's not satisfied with the team's current front row stocks - having thrown big money to no avail at Jason Taumalolo and Jesse Bromwich.