The 39-year-old has spent the last four years at the NRL club, and has signed an initial one-year deal with Cas.

"We have held two face-to-face interviews with him and his enthusiasm for the task in hand is very apparent," said chief executive Richard Wright.

"He flew back to Australia after our meeting but we expect him to take charge later this week."

Wright said the club had an ambitious four-year plan to regain its Super League place and build upon it, and Woods would have a key role to play.

"Our objectives for the first two years are promotion in 2005 and top six in Super League in 2006," he said.

"Integral to this is to ensure that at least 75% of the 2005 squad move up with us in 2006 and are able to compete at Super League level.

"We believe David is the man to work with and improve this new largely young squad to achieve that goal."

He also paid tribute to the contribution made by Dean Sampson since Gary Mercer's departure from the club.

"David will find things in good shape following the excellent work done by Dean in preparation for pre-season training," he added.