Wests Tigers veteran Keith Galloway says front-row partner Aaron Woods has emerged as a key leader at the youthful club in their promising start to the NRL season.

Fancied as wooden spoon contenders over summer, the Tigers have so far fielded one of the youngest squads in the premiership, but have already showed they can mix it with the NRL’s best in a bruising round three win over South Sydney.

Galloway combined well with Woods to take it to the vaunted Rabbitohs pack that night.

The Tigers host Manly in round five at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday and the 171-game veteran, who played only nine matches last year, says he is impressed with how 23-year-old Woods has taken it upon himself to lead Wests forward.

“When he makes a few big hitups I look to back that up it. It’s always good playing alongside the top players in your side,” Galloway said.

“For his age he has a very mature head on his shoulders and as a forward he plays beyond his years.

“All the young guys look up to him and he is one of our senior players.

“He has matured into one of the top front-rowers in the game so the sky is the limit for him.”

Galloway said he was enjoying renewing his formidable combination with the NSW representative after battling injury through much of 2013.

“In 2012 when we almost made the semis, we had a good patch in the middle of the year playing together when we won a heap of games in a row,” Galloway said.

“Last year we didn’t get to play too much footy together and this year we are starting to play a few games together and we have won a couple of games.

“It’s my fourth game back, the body is starting to feel better and I’m looking forward to punching the minutes out.”