Woods made a big impact as five-eighth for much of last season with the Yenda Blueheelers, with his kicking game and vision in attack to be sorely missed.

Woods said his decision to come back to the Magpies after his season with the Blueheelers was a "tough one", but he is keen to rejoin older brother Rene Woods, who is in charge of the senior coaching position for the season.

"The Blueheelers are a great club, and I enjoyed my time with the boys," Woods said.

"The Yenda club is well-administered, and all players get on very well together - and that is why the Blueheelers have a strength right through the grades.

"Every player is treated equally - there are no favourites.

"I found travelling to training and games a bit of a slog, and I certainly won't miss that aspect, but once I commit to something, I try to see it through to the end."

Asked if he left Yenda on amicable terms, Woods said he was up front with the club about his plans for the future. "I left the Blueheelers on good terms. I spoke to Goldy (President Adam Goldman) and to coach Steve Richards on the phone and told them I would be rejoining Hay, and they both wished me well back with the Magpies," Woods said. "I will be going over to a Yenda training session on a Tuesday night to catch up with Goldy and Steve and all the players because I really enjoyed my time with the club, and they were very good to me. But I am glad to be back, and looking forward to the challenge of helping the Magpies have a successful season.

"We have a good squad and everyone is keen."

Woods' return gives the Magpies backline more shape and his goal kicking, which saw him slot 33 conversions in a row when last playing for Hay, will allow the Magpies to maintain scoreboard pressure.

Woods holds the distinction of being the youngest Magpie to play first grade, making his debut at just 15 years and three days against Goolgowi in Group 17.