ONE of the integral parts of the Academy’s Tour of Australia is Dave Woods.
The experienced coach is the glue that makes the trip successful.
Saints Player Performance Manager Neil Kilshaw said: “There’s a phenomenal amount of work that goes on behind the scenes for the tours to be a success and run smoothly.
“Throughout each of the last five one constant behind those scenes has been Dave Woods. Many will know Dave as a former coach of Castleford (orchestrating them back into Super League in 2005), York, Gateshead and Whitehaven, but we also know him as the tour bus driver, tour guide and top BBQ man!
“We first encountered Dave in 2004 when we used his bus company for the duration of the tour, and quickly developed a close friendship that saw him pretty much stay with us for the duration of the trip as our personal guide!
“His knowledge of the area, the opposition, the contacts and the short cuts was invaluable. In the winter of 2004 Dave relocated his family to the UK to forge his coaching career, yet every other year he has travelled back to Australia to ferry us around Sydney.
“In selfless fashion Dave has also helped to organise the parents’ trip that runs alongside the touring party, giving up his free time once over there to take them to the Blue Mountains or the zoo.
“Naturally, we’ve all worked hard to educate Dave into ways of St Helens and as such he’s now lives in St Helens as the landlord of the Bull & Dog in Sutton and the Victoria pub in Earlestown. He’s a regular at Langtree Park and a fully respected member of our performance department.
“Thanks for everything Dave and make sure you save an extra sausage on the BBQ for me…”
Pictured is Dave winning The Co-operative National League Two Coach of the Year as Gateshead coach.
