In the lead-up to State of Origin II, Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater made headlines with an emotional and deeply personal response to comments made by Aaron Woods — comments that have since divided the rugby league community. Woods, during a radio segment, referred to Slater as a "grub", citing controversial incidents from his playing career. But it was Slater’s reply, where he referenced the late Paul Green, that truly ignited debate across the NRL world.
The “Grub” Remark That Sparked It All
Aaron Woods, known for his banter and open opinions, questioned Slater’s coaching decisions, particularly around Queensland’s team selections. He took a jab at Slater’s past on-field behaviour, calling him "the grub that we know of", citing a six-week suspension for kicking John Skandalis in the head. Woods' comments, although meant to be tongue-in-cheek, were delivered in a high-profile space — Triple M's NRL coverage — and quickly gathered attention.
While some took the comment as harmless footy banter, others felt it crossed a line. Among them was Slater himself.
Slater's Emotional Response and Reference to Paul Green
On the eve of Origin II, Slater addressed the comments in an emotionally charged press conference. “Although I might be able to handle it, the next person mightn’t be,” he said. “Maybe our last coach didn’t.”
The reference to Paul Green — the former Queensland coach who tragically passed away in 2022 — shifted the tone of the conversation from light-hearted footy rivalry to a serious discussion about mental health. Green’s passing shocked the rugby league world, and Slater’s suggestion that careless public comments might impact others more than they appear to was a stark reminder of the fragility of mental wellbeing, especially in high-pressure sporting environments.
Divided Opinions: Emotional Honesty or Crossing a Line?
Slater’s response has triggered mixed reactions within the media and the broader NRL community. Veteran journalist Paul Crawley acknowledged the sincerity in Slater’s message but questioned whether invoking Paul Green was appropriate.
“It was raw, it was real,” Crawley said on NRL 360, “but I just wonder if Billy may have overstepped the mark bringing Paul Green into it. I hope he had conversations with Paul’s family beforehand.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Daily Telegraph journalist Dean Ritchie, who believed that while Slater had every right to respond to being called a “grub”, bringing up Green’s death in the context of a footy sledge might not have been the best move.
“The Paul Green situation is incredibly sad,” Ritchie said. “But I think what Woodsy said was in jest. I don’t know if Billy needed to bring Paul Green into a press conference.”
Gorden Tallis: A Timely Reality Check
Former Maroons enforcer Gorden Tallis, however, sided with Slater. He believed Slater’s words were a necessary reminder of the responsibility that comes with having a public platform.
“I think it’s a reality check for all of us,” Tallis said. “We forget sometimes. It’s an emotional game. We are passionate fans and everyone has their say. But sometimes the things we say don’t hurt us, they hurt the people around us.”
In a world where media soundbites and quick opinions dominate, Tallis’ comments underscored the need for sensitivity — especially in a sport where mental health is becoming an increasingly important focus.
Braith Anasta’s Perspective: Personal and Balanced
Former Blues playmaker Braith Anasta offered perhaps the most balanced take. With a personal history involving his father’s suicide and active involvement in men’s mental health initiatives, Anasta understood Slater’s pain.
“I can understand what Billy is saying,” Anasta said. “It impacts people. I’m passionate about mental health. But I also know Aaron Woods and I don’t think he meant to call Billy a grub as a human — just about the way he played.”
Anasta, while backing Slater’s emotional openness, also felt Woods was perhaps misunderstood. “I don’t condone the comment,” he added, “but I don’t think Woodsy was attacking Billy the person.”
The Bigger Picture: Footy Culture and Mental Health
This incident has done more than spark a media storm — it has reignited conversations around the culture of sledging in rugby league and its impact beyond the field. In Australia, where rugby league is more than just a game, players and coaches are often put on pedestals — and in the firing line. The expectation to maintain toughness while being publicly dissected can take its toll.
Slater, once known as "Teflon Billy" during his playing days for his ability to seemingly escape criticism, is now in the spotlight as a coach. His response showed vulnerability — something rarely seen in the testosterone-fuelled theatre of Origin.
Should Paul Green Have Been Mentioned?
That remains the most controversial aspect of this story. While many applauded Slater for raising awareness, others felt the reference to Green — especially without public confirmation of family consultation — was too sensitive a subject to raise in a press conference.
Still, it’s worth noting that Slater didn’t directly blame anyone for Green’s death. Rather, he highlighted that harsh words can have unintended effects, and not everyone has the same threshold for criticism. It was less an accusation and more a plea for compassion.
Woods’ Comments and Slater’s Coaching Future
Woods had also criticised Slater for his team selections, particularly the omission of Daly Cherry-Evans, and questioned whether Slater would face the same pressure as previous coaches if the Maroons failed to win the series. But given Slater’s track record — including back-to-back Origin series wins in his first two years — such pressure seems premature.
His reaction wasn’t just about defending his coaching decisions; it was about reminding everyone that words have power. And in a post-COVID world where mental health awareness is paramount, that reminder couldn’t be more timely.
Final Thoughts: Two Sides to a Complex Issue
For Australian rugby league fans, this isn’t just about Slater vs. Woods or Queensland vs. New South Wales. It’s about how we talk about our heroes, our critics, and each other. It’s about recognising that footy, while tribal and tough, is played by human beings — with emotions, struggles, and limits.
Slater’s emotional response wasn’t perfect, but it was real. Whether you believe he overstepped or delivered a much-needed wake-up call, one thing is clear: the conversation around mental health in rugby league has taken another important step forward. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what matters most.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
