Tensions are boiling over ahead of State of Origin Game II in Perth, with Queensland coach Billy Slater delivering a scathing response to former New South Wales forward Aaron Woods. Slater’s impassioned press conference didn’t just address team tactics or selections — it became a deeply personal moment as he slammed Woods for calling him a “grub” and referenced the late Paul Green to highlight the emotional toll that harsh media criticism can take.
Aaron Woods participated in promotional activities in Las Vegas earlier this year. [Credit: WWE via Getty Images]
The war of words began last week when Aaron Woods labelled Slater a “grub” on Sydney radio, pointing to an incident in 2006 when Slater kicked Wests Tigers’ John Skandalis. That event earned Slater a six-week suspension — and now, nearly two decades later, it’s resurfaced in the most public of ways.
Slater didn’t hold back in his response.
“When you hold a position in the media or in our game, I feel that’s a privilege. And with that privilege comes a responsibility,” Slater said during Tuesday’s press conference in Perth. “You’re not talking to your mates in the pub.”
Billy Slater faced mounting pressure following Queensland’s defeat in Origin I. [Credit: AAP Image/Darren England]
An Emotional Response from a Man Under Fire
The timing couldn’t be more intense. Queensland are down 1–0 in the series after a poor showing in Game I, and Slater’s decision to drop veteran Daly Cherry-Evans for young gun Tom Dearden has raised eyebrows. Yet the most striking moment came not from team talk, but from Slater’s raw reaction to Aaron Woods’ public remarks.
“I know Aaron Woods. I actually ran into him three or four weeks ago at a footy game and he didn’t voice that opinion then. He actually brought his son over to introduce him to me.”
Clearly emotional, Slater warned about the potential consequences of careless commentary. Without naming him directly at first, he referred to Paul Green — the former Queensland coach who tragically took his own life in 2022 — when discussing the dangers of public ridicule.
“You don’t know what people are going through,” he said. “Although I might be able to handle it, the next person mightn’t be. Maybe our last coach didn’t.”
Slater’s comments were met with spontaneous applause from the assembled crowd.
The Fallout for Aaron Woods
Unsurprisingly, Aaron Woods has faced considerable backlash following his remarks. While some defended his comments as pre-Origin banter designed to “ruffle feathers,” others, including Queensland great Corey Parker, branded him “Sharon Woods” in a stinging rebuke.
Woods, who now appears regularly in media roles and is no stranger to controversy, has so far declined to further comment. However, he has encouraged listeners to tune into Triple M, where he frequently appears as a panellist.
Despite Woods’ media presence, many feel that his comments crossed the line — not just for attacking Slater personally, but for reigniting a long-settled incident purely for shock value.
Billy Slater responded strongly when questioned about Aaron Woods calling him a “grub”. [Credit: Getty Images]
Queensland Rallies Behind Their Coach
In the wake of Aaron Woods’ remarks, Queensland players have thrown their full support behind their coach. Maroons captain Cameron Munster didn’t mince words:
“It does hurt a bit, especially the comments from someone in particular,” Munster said. “We’ve got a lot of pressure on us at the moment… but he’s [Slater] doing everything he can. We need to stand up for him.”
Slater’s leadership is clearly respected in the Maroons camp, and this controversy may even galvanise the side ahead of their must-win clash at Optus Stadium.
Wider Debate About Media Conduct
The Slater–Woods exchange has also sparked a broader conversation around the responsibilities of sports media personalities. With the lines increasingly blurred between entertainment and journalism, some are questioning whether figures like Aaron Woods fully appreciate the weight their words carry.
Slater made it clear that media commentary can have real consequences.
“I believe the character of a person is judged more on what they say about people and how they treat people, than what an individual says to create attention.”
It’s a sentiment that has struck a chord with fans, players and officials alike, especially given the mental health challenges many athletes and coaches face.
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Game II: High Stakes and High Drama
All eyes will be on Perth on Wednesday night as the Maroons attempt to level the series. There’s added intrigue around Slater’s strategic decisions — particularly whether Harry Grant will start at hooker or be used off the bench.
“We still have another training session to go, and we don’t have to make our final decision until tomorrow,” Slater said.
The pressure is immense, but Slater insists it’s part of the job.
“What is pressure? To me, the opposite of pressure is comfort… And the day there’s no pressure, I’ll be a bit worried.”
As for Aaron Woods, the former prop may have ignited some serious motivation in the Queensland camp — and the backlash may have him reconsidering his approach in future commentary.
Regardless of the final score, the impact of this week’s verbal exchange will linger well beyond the full-time whistle. Whether in the coach’s box or on the microphone, it’s clear that words matter — and the fallout from Aaron Woods’ comments proves just how much.
