Simon Woolford (born 23 March 1975) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach. He played as a hooker in the National Rugby League (NRL) and later served in various coaching capacities, including a brief tenure as head coach of the St. George Illawarra Dragons.
Early life
Simon Woolford was born on 23 March 1975 in New South Wales, Australia. Details regarding his early education and junior football affiliations are not extensively documented in major encyclopedic sources.
Playing career
| Club | Years | Appearances | Tries | Goals | Field goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra Raiders | 1998–2006 | 142 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| St. George Illawarra Dragons | 2007–2010 | 89 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
- Woolford made his NRL debut with the Canberra Raiders in the 1998 season and spent nine seasons with the club, primarily playing at hooker.
- In 2007 he transferred to the St. George Illawarra Dragons, where he played until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2010 season.
- Over his 14‑year playing career, Woolford was noted for his work ethic, defensive reliability, and leadership qualities on the field.
Coaching career
- Assistant coaching – Following retirement, Woolford joined the coaching staff of the St. George Illawarra Dragons as an assistant coach, contributing to player development and game‑strategy planning.
- Head coach of St. George Illawarra Dragons (2022) – In July 2021, Woolford was appointed head coach of the Dragons for the 2022 NRL season, taking over from head coach Anthony Griffin. His tenure lasted the single season; the Dragons finished 10th on the ladder and Woolford was released from the role at the season’s end.
- Subsequent roles – After his departure from the Dragons, Woolford has remained involved in rugby league coaching, undertaking positions within Queensland-based teams and development programs. Specific appointments and dates are not comprehensively recorded in publicly available encyclopedic references.
Personal life
Simon Woolford is married and has children. He is known to be active in community and charity initiatives related to rugby league, though detailed personal information is limited in major reference works.
Legacy
Woolford is remembered as a durable and consistent hooker during his playing days and for his transition into coaching, where he contributed to the mentorship of younger players within the NRL system. His brief head‑coaching stint with St. George Illawarra highlights his continued involvement at the elite level of the sport.
