In-demand Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods says he wants to stay at the club that has made him a representative star.
The NSW State of Origin forward has been linked to a big money move to Manly, but Woods is keen to continue to develop his promising career with the joint venture.
Woods looked ready to take his game to a new level this season in the Tigers' 32-8 trial win over Penrith at Kirkham Oval in Camden on Saturday.
And the 22-year-old says he's keen to have his future sorted before the Tigers opening game of the NRL season against St George Illawarra on March 9.
"I grew up in Leichhardt and I would love to stay here," Woods told AAP.
"2040 (Leichhardt's postcode) and all that stuff, me and my mates all grew up around there.
"The only thing is that I grew up a Manly supporter.
"We have a lot of good young kids coming through here at the Tigers, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses ... and if I can play on the back of that it would be great.
"Hopefully it will all be sorted soon."
The Tigers gave their fans plenty of cause for optimism this season against the Panthers in the first hitout of the year for both teams.
Their attack clicked into gear early and they led 14-0 after 20 minutes.
Their defence held firm for much of the contest, albeit against an understrength Panthers missing recruits Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Jamal Idris and Brent Kite.
Woods says it's vital the Tigers get a good start to the NRL season proper.
"I played 30 minutes and it was fun to have a hit out with the boys," he said.
"It gives us a bit of confidence. We defended well on our line and we played a lot more direct. We aren't going sideways, which is something we really worked on in the pre-season.
"The first thing is I want is to get the Tigers on the front foot, we always start the year really slow, but if we can get a few wins early on it can lead you to anywhere.
"There was a lot of disappointment last year ... and we don't want to be in that situation again."
