Billy Slater apologises for raising former Qld coach Paul Green’s name in emotion-charged press conference

After many in the rugby league world turned on Billy Slater for one reference in an emotional press conference, the Queensland coach has apologised.

Queensland coach Billy Slater concedes he got it wrong and is “deeply and genuinely sorry” for referencing former Maroons mentor Paul Green in an emotional response to a question about being called a “grub” by former NSW forward Aaron Woods.

In a rare move on match day in Perth, hours before the second State of Origin clash, Slater confirmed that he called Green’s widow, Amanda, to apologise after widespread condemnation of raising his name.

Green, the former Marrons and North Queensland coach, took his own life in 2022 after which it was revealed he was suffering from CTE, a degenerative brain disorder that happens due to repeated head impacts.

Slater said he felt “terrible” and issued an apology.

“Yesterday, I wrongly made the link between Paul Green’s death and the stress and pressures of coaching, which wasn’t accurate, nor was it appropriate,” he said.

“I feel terrible about what I said and I spoke to Amanda Green this morning and apologised for any hurt I may have caused her or her family.

“Paul had CTE, that’s a different disease to what I was referring to. Once again I am deeply and genuinely sorry.”

Billy Slater was emotional on Tuesday. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

On his radio show on Wednesday morning, Woods also hit back at Slater for using Green’s name, calling it “completely unnecessary”.

“It’s a hard position he’s in at the moment,” Woods said of Slater.

“He’s lost game one of the series up in Queensland.

“He’s coming off a losing series, which was a decider in Queensland as well, so he’s under a lot of pressure.

“But one in particular comment that he did make, I just thought Billy went a little bit over the boundary. I just think it was completely unnecessary for the situation.”

Woods also said he stood by his comments about Slater, which referenced his multiple suspensions during his playing days.

“I had those comments I made last Tuesday, so that was a week ago,” Woods said.

Aaron Woods said he stood by his comments.

“I stand by them. It’s part of something I said in the lead-up to this game.

“You’ve got to be critical of people’s performances sometimes which is what Billy is a lot of the time.

“I watch him on Channel 9.

“And you’ve got to be positive as well, which he is at the same time.”