But the chance to bring in an experienced forward in Woods, who will add depth to a rotation likely to be making a finals charge this year, was seen as appealing to coach Anthony Seibold, who has quickly moulded Manly into top-eight contenders.

Woods joins the likes of Jake Trbojevic, Josh Aloiai, Taniela Paseka, Sean Keppie and Toafofoa Sipley in the Sea Eagles’ engine room. He’s no stranger to mid-season trades, joining the Sharks from the Bulldogs after round 15 in 2018 and helping Cronulla to a top-four finish.

Woods was named 18th man in St George Illawarra’s heavy loss to the Sharks on Sunday night and didn’t feature in the NSW Cup curtain raiser either, avoiding the risk of injury which could have scuppered the deal.

The swap also suits the Dragons, who are desperately trying to rejuvenate a roster that has struggled to be in contention for the finals under coach Anthony Griffin.

The Sea Eagles will head to Mudgee to host the Knights this week as Aloiai admonished himself for the error which led to their golden point loss against the Rabbitohs.

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“I’m not going to shy away from it, it was such a critical part of the game,” Aloiai. “I’ll be the first one to own it, I really hurt us. We were in a position to win the game and I obviously coughed the ball up. There is really no excuse for it. It was a rubbish error.

“Devastating? Obviously. Kicking myself? Yes, of course. I feel like I let my Manly teammates and the community down, my coach and coaches.

“But man, the connectivity and the support from my teammates, I don’t have to walk in sad thinking they’re angry or off me. I’m going to return it tenfold, I promise that much.”

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