The build-up to Game II of the State of Origin series was dominated by two men; Queensland coach Billy Slater and former New South Wales forward and now radio host, Aaron Woods.
The former Blues prop set off an extraordinary chain of events when he dubbed Slater a "grub" ahead of the clash in Western Australia.
The Maroons coach eventually responded to the remark, which Woods said was an attempt to drum up some extra spice into the series, a week later that sparked even more controversy.
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Aaron Woods pokes fun at Billy Slater as shock QLD call evaluated
Slater criticised Woods’ comments, while also making a reference to the late Paul Green that he later apologised for.
"When you degrade someone personally in a derogatory manner, you probably don’t deserve one of those privileged positions that you’re all in, that we’re all in," a visibly emotional Slater said at the final press conference in Perth.
"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."
QLD, led by newly-appointed captain Cameron Munster, subsequently battled to a shock 26-24 win to force a decider in Sydney.
NSW entered into the contest as the near unbackable favourites, yet came unstuck during a poor first half.
Laurie Daley’s side threatened to produce the greatest comeback in Origin history during a one-sided second stanza, but they ultimately fell short.
In the aftermath of the victory, the Slater and Woods drama has continued to rumble on.
Fellow former NSW forward Ryan Hoffman labelled Woods a "coward" for his words against Slater when appearing on the ABC’s Offsiders.
Steve Roach then weighed into the matter as he called for peace talks between Woods and Hoffman. However, Woods has instead opted to stoke the fire again ahead of Game III when addressing the QLD team news.
"That brings me to my good mate Billy Slater," the 34-year-old said on Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Cat & Woodsy.
"And I’ve got to remember it is a privilege, and we’ve got a responsibility being behind the microphone. So when I talk, a lot of people do listen."
After the cheeky reference, Woods dissected why Slater had chosen to make an unenforced change in his pack.
He cited a lack of punch through the middle for the Queenslanders throughout the series so far as the reason for the axing of Mo Fotuaikai in favour of sending out an SOS call to Josh Papalii.
The Maroons veteran announced his retirement from the representative arena a few years ago but has been brought back for one final swansong.
"They didn’t pick and stick there," Woods said.
"So, it’s a funny one for a decider. It must mean he feels a bit of pressure up front, the grunt. He’s lacking a bit of intimidation."