Former NSW prop Aaron Woods has slammed Queensland coach Billy Slater for making a reference that no one expected him to make during a pre-game State of Origin press conference.
Speaking on Triple M’s breakfast radio on Wednesday, Woods criticised Slater’s emotional remarks that indirectly invoked former Maroons coach Paul Green, who tragically passed away in 2022.
“One particular comment that he did make… I just thought Billy went a little bit over the boundary,” Woods said.
“I just think it was completely unnecessary for the situation,” he added.
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On Tuesday, Slater defended himself against recent media criticism, including comments from Woods the previous week.
In doing so, Slater reflected on the emotional toll public commentary can have on individuals in the spotlight.
“You don’t know what people are going through,” Slater said.
“And although I might be able to handle it, the next person mightn’t be. Maybe our last coach didn’t," the Maroons coach reflected.
Woods clarified he had no intention of backing down from his original critique of Slater’s coaching and media presence.
“I stand by them. It’s part of something I said in the lead-up to this game,” Woods said.
“When you say something about a person, that person is owed a right to reply and that person is Billy Slater,” he continued.
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He acknowledged Slater had taken his time before responding, calling the Maroons coach’s reply “measured” and “well thought out.”
“A lot of Billy’s comments I agree with,” Woods admitted.
Woods added that, like Slater, who is also a commentator for Channel Nine, public figures in rugby league must be open to critique.
“You’ve got to have an opinion, whether it’s good or bad,” he said.
“You’ve got to be critical of people’s performances sometimes... and be positive as well, which Billy is,” Woods noted.