DEPARTED York City Knights boss Dave Woods is in the running to become head coach of Fiji – just as he jets off to Australia with St Helens under-18s.

The South Sea Islanders are looking for a new coach to take them into a two-Test series against Papua New Guinea starting at the end of this month, and ultimately onto the World Cup in 2013.

The Press understands former Castleford and Gateshead boss Woods, pictured, who was controversially sacked by the Knights last week, is now on a short list of four for the role.

In the meantime, the Aussie took off for his homeland today to head up a junior tour for St Helens youngsters.

Woods has been attending training sessions with Saints in the last few weeks, helping out with coaching while picking up tips himself. He was sat near to head coach Royce Simmons in last weekend’s Super League play-off semi-final victory over Wigan.

He has also previously gone on tour with St Helens academy teams and they have asked him to manage this trip too.