Aaron Woods Blasts Billy Slater’s Career Controversy, Labels NRL Star ‘Grub’ Amid Major Scandal

Aaron Woods Slams Billy Slater Over Controversial Past in Explosive Origin Rant
By James Cooney for Daily Mail Australia
June 10, 2025

Former New South Wales star Aaron Woods has launched a scathing attack on Queensland coach Billy Slater, labeling him a “grub” and reigniting criticism over Slater’s infamous 2006 kicking incident. The fiery comments came after Slater axed veteran captain Daly Cherry-Evans from Queensland’s squad for Origin II.

‘Ps Poor Form’ from Slater**
Slater named rising Cowboys star Tom Dearden as halfback for the must-win Perth clash next Wednesday, dropping Cherry-Evans despite backing his squad publicly after a Game I loss. Woods, Cherry-Evans’ ex-Manly teammate, slammed the decision as hypocritical.

“Billy said after Game I it wasn’t about personnel, then he axes his captain. That’s a scapegoat,” Woods fumed on Triple M Breakfast. “Pressure’s got to him—three losses in a row is unheard of for Queensland.”

The ‘Grub’ Label and Past Scandals
Woods then targeted Slater’s discipline history, referencing the 2006 incident where Slater was banned for seven matches for kicking Wests Tigers prop John Skandalis in the head.

Woods called out Slater’s infamous 2006 incident during the rant.

“Everyone calls Billy ‘nice,’ but he’s the guy who kicked Skandalis. Ten charges, 13 weeks suspended—now he’s turned on his own skipper,” Woods said. “I want the real Billy Slater to show up: the grub we all know.”

Pressure Mounts on Slater
With Queensland’s dynasty under threat, Woods questioned Slater’s leadership. “If they lose this series, does he get sacked like Kevvie Walters did?” he asked, referencing the coach fired after four games. “His body language looks shaky—there’s no confidence there.”

Slater faces scrutiny after dropping Cherry-Evans (pictured with wife Nicole).

Game I Tactics Criticized
Woods also mocked Queensland’s strategy in the opening match, where they avoided kicking to NSW enforcer Spencer Leniu. “Call it a ‘tactic’ all you want—it was soft,” he said.

Fallout and Legacy
Slater, a revered figure with two coaching series wins, now faces a career-defining moment. Woods’ comments amplify tensions ahead of Origin II, with Queensland desperate to avoid a fourth straight loss.

Slater’s decision to drop Cherry-Evans drew fierce backlash.

As the rivalry heats up, Slater’s past and present decisions remain under the microscope—proving Origin drama extends far beyond the field.

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