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.
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.
He says when you hold a position in the media or in our game, he feel that’s a privilege and with that privilege comes a responsibility.
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.
Clearly emotional, Slater warned about the potential consequences of careless commentary
Slater’s comments were met with spontaneous applause from the assembled crowd.
New South Wales will face Queensland at Perth Stadium in Western Australia at 10.05 tonight.
[Source: Colitco]
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