In the fiery build-up to State of Origin Game 2 in June 2025, former NSW prop Aaron Woods ignited controversy by calling Queensland coach Billy Slater a “grub” during a Triple M radio appearance. At face value, it seemed like typical pre-Origin banter – the kind that’s fuelled the rivalry for decades. But what followed was a media storm that shifted focus away from footy and towards personal grievances and moral outrage.
Woods’ remark was tied to criticism over Slater dropping long-time Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans, which he saw as abandoning the Maroons’ “pick and stick” philosophy. He also referenced a 2006 incident in which Slater was suspended for kicking Wests Tigers player John Skandalis in the head — an event that remains a stain on Slater’s playing career.
Rather than brushing it off, Slater took the comments personally and responded emotionally at a pre-match press conference. He went further than most expected, linking Woods’ remarks to the mental health struggles of former Maroons coach Paul Green, who tragically died by suicide in 2022. Slater implied that public criticism like Woods’ might have contributed to such outcomes.
That emotional reference triggered a deeper backlash. While Slater later apologised for bringing Paul Green into the conversation — and even personally contacted Green’s widow Amanda, who accepted his apology — the damage was done. A serious issue had been dragged into a media circus that began with Origin sledging.
Woods stood by his comments, arguing that calling Slater a “grub” was tongue-in-cheek – typical Origin theatre meant to energise fans and stir rivalry. He also pushed back strongly on Slater’s emotional response, saying it was disproportionate and inappropriate to involve a grieving family in a football argument.
Yet despite the context, the public reaction heavily favoured Slater. Former Storm teammate Ryan Hoffman lashed out at Woods, branding him a “coward” for attacking Slater from behind a microphone. NSW Premier Chris Minns also weighed in – albeit bizarrely – warning Woods over a related wager involving a nude run at Bondi Beach.
So why did this explode the way it did? Why is the heat all on Woods?
A Double Standard?
Let’s call this what it is: a case study in rugby league hypocrisy. The media loves stirring the Origin pot every year. They dive into history, revive old wounds, and pit state against state in exactly the way Woods did. There’s a long tradition of bringing up past incidents to fire shots. That’s part of the theatre.
But when Woods did it, the outrage came swift and hard – not just from Queenslanders but from influential voices in the media, many of whom are close with Slater. It’s no secret that Billy has strong media allies. Woods, by contrast, was treated like a punching bag.
Let’s not forget the facts about Billy Slater’s own career:
- He had a history of controversial defensive tactics near the try line, often using his knees or feet to dislodge the ball — a practice that went unpunished for years before finally being addressed.
- Slater also came under fire in 2010 for an infamous sledge aimed at Corey Paterson, who was struggling with mental health issues at the time. He told Paterson, ‘Don’t go running to your room sooking’—a comment that sparked widespread backlash and was condemned as deeply insensitive.
- He was part of the infamous Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal, where he and fellow stars Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk were found to have unknowingly received benefits beyond their contracts.
These aren’t personal attacks — they’re facts. Just like the Skandalis incident Woods mentioned. So why is Woods being crucified for repeating something factual and offering his opinion?
Slater, meanwhile, escalated the issue by invoking a deeply personal and tragic situation. That, more than anything Woods said, crossed the line.
What’s the Real Story Here?
The timing of Slater’s emotional press conference didn’t go unnoticed. After all, he had just lost twice in a row at Suncorp Stadium — a rare humiliation for any Queensland coach. Could this blow-up have been a calculated distraction? A way to deflect from questions about his team’s performance and to galvanise his squad for Game 2?
Even after Queensland’s controversial win — one aided by several debatable refereeing decisions — Slater continued the narrative, painting Woods as the villain and further shifting focus away from on-field shortcomings.
It worked. The media ran with it. And the NRL? Well, they certainly don’t mind the added hype heading into a blockbuster Game 3.
Final Thought
Strip away the emotion, state loyalties, and media bias, and what are you left with? A bloke (Woods) making a cheeky dig, and another (Slater) turning it into a moral crusade. But only one of them dragged a grieving family into the mess. Only one made it personal. And only one came out of it relatively untouched.
So ask yourself: who really crossed the line? Was Aaron Woods’ biggest mistake calling Billy Slater a “grub” — or was that just the excuse Slater needed to deflect from losing on home soil, and take back control of the Origin narrative?
Take off your maroon or blue-tinted glasses and look at the facts. The truth might surprise you.
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