Aaron Woods Breaks Silence on Billy Slater ‘Grub’ Row and Career Regrets
In a headline making episode of Kenty Prime Time, Paul Kent and Johnny Elias sit down with NRL veteran and current media personality Aaron Woods. The former Origin star opens up about the explosive fallout from calling Billy Slater a "grub," his "heartbreaking" exit from the Wests Tigers, and the "toxic" divide between players and the media.
The Billy Slater Controversy: "Just Banter Gone Wrong"
Woods addressed the firestorm he sparked during the 2024 State of Origin series when he labelled Queensland coach Billy Slater a "grub" in a light-hearted radio segment. While Woods intended it as "banter" to fire up a "boring" series build-up, the comment took a dark turn when Slater’s response—and subsequent comments from Gordon Tallis—brought Woods’ five-year-old son into the fray.
Woods clarified that his son never actually asked for a photo with Slater, contrary to media reports, and that the two simply shook hands at Suncorp Stadium. He expressed frustration that Queensland’s "siege mentality" turned a joke into a personal vendetta, though he acknowledged Slater’s later apology was heartfelt. Kenty added that the NRL's "sanitised" approach to Origin media is "killing the contest," arguing that New South Wales lost the emotional battle in Game III because they were too afraid of "offending" Queensland.
Wests Tigers Exit: The 5 PM Friday Ultimatum
For the first time, Woods detailed the chaotic 2017 season that saw him, James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses, and Luke Brooks—the "Big Four"—all leave or face contract withdrawals under then-coach Ivan Cleary. Woods described being "rattled" and "headless" during the period, eventually receiving a 5 PM Friday ultimatum to re-sign.
The turning point came during an Anzac Round clash against the Bulldogs, where Woods—the club captain—was booed by his own fans. "I teared up afterwards," Woods admitted, "I realized then I couldn't stay." He confessed that leaving the Tigers remains one of his biggest career regrets: "If I had my time back, I would have stayed. The grass isn't always greener."
The ‘Us vs Them’ Media Divide
Kenty and Woods shared a candid discussion on how NRL coaches "demonise" the media to isolate players. Kent argued that coaches use the media as a "bogeyman" to prevent leaks and maintain control, which ultimately hurts players by cutting off post-career opportunities. Woods, now thriving on Triple M and Fox League, noted that many current players are now reaching out to him for advice on how to transition into the media, having realised the "angry journalist" trope is often a facade.
Locker Room Tales: Pests and Show Ponies
The episode wrapped with Woods sharing some lighter moments from his journey across multiple clubs:
- The Biggest Pest: Woods named Luke Lewis as a constant "punish" who would drive teammates mad with magic tricks and elaborate pranks.
- The Funniest Teammate: Toby Rudolph was hailed as the ultimate "vibes" player. Woods joked he would pay Rudolph $300,000 just to be in the dressing room, even if he wasn't playing.
- The Show Pony: Manly’s Reuben Garrick and former coach John Morris were singled out for their vanity, with Morris reportedly being more concerned about the "tightness of training shirts" than the drills themselves.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV here.
