They're the cubs of Wests Tigers' finals campaign but coach Tim Sheens is pinning his faith in young props Aaron Woods and Matt Groat being ready to roar from the front next NRL season.

The emergence of Woods, 20, and Groat, 19, has been a highlight of the Tigers' campaign and both are pinching themselves as they mark rapid ascents from schoolboy and junior footy to the NRL finals.

And Sheens has seen enough to predict the pair can go on with the job as the club prepares to lose a wealth of forward experience at the end of the season including Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Fifita (both Cronulla), Todd Payten (retiring) and Mark Flanagan (St Helens).

"I picked the two boys to be the two that go on with it next year and I think they've shown already this year that they will," Sheens said.

"... I think they've been very good for us.

"They're young legs and they've added to our go-forward in particular with big Keith Galloway and with Gibbsy's determination in defence, that's rubbed off on them as well."

Sheens admitted he didn't expect to see much of Woods or Groat in first grade this season.

But both have made the most of their opportunities, with the 195cm, 112kg Woods amassing 23 appearances and Groat (190cm, 110kg) nine heading into Friday night's semi-final against the Warriors.

None are more surprised than the young pair, who room together on away trips as they share the experience of their debut first grade seasons.

"I'm stoked, this time last year I was watching the game at home," said Woods, who could have broken into first grade last season if not for a serious hamstring problem.

"It's good to see the coach show a lot of faith in us.

"I only dreamed of playing three to five first grade games this year and I've ended up playing 23 ... it's unbelievable."

Woods and Groat are set for arguably the biggest test of their short careers as they prepare to face a Warriors pack sure to be smarting from last week's 40-10 qualifying final loss to Brisbane.

"They're going to come out all guns blazing," Woods said.

"They're a big side and they take a lot of stopping."

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