LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Aaron Woods has accused Billy Slater of escalating their feud to a "dark turn," rejecting any apology for calling the Queensland coach a "grub." In a charged pre-Origin 2 press conference, Slater expressed his disappointment over Woods' comments, questioning his integrity and accusing him of being insincere.
Woods' criticism stemmed from Slater's decision to drop skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, which he addressed on his Triple M breakfast show.
Slater responded to Woods' remarks, carefully referencing former Queensland coach Paul Green, who died by suicide in 2022.
He stated, "When you degrade someone personally in a derogatory manner, you probably don't deserve one of those privileged positions that you're (the media) all in, that we're all in.
You don't know what people are going through.
Although I might be able to handle it, the next person mightn't be.
Maybe the last coach (Green) didn't."
In response, Woods respected Slater's right to defend himself but criticized the linkage to Green, deeming it unnecessary.
Burns remarked on his radio show the next morning, "It's part of something I said in the lead up to this game, and when you say comments like that, that person is owed a right to reply.
He's been very well thought out.
He's been very measured in what he's had to say."
Woods emphasized his appreciation for his platform at Triple M, expressing his passion for discussing rugby league and the Sydney community.
The conflict appears to center not just on sports but also on personal remarks that have provoked strong reactions from both parties.