Cory Paterson: ‘I have no ill feelings whatsoever towards’ Billy Slater despite ugly sledge

Fifteen years ago, Cory Paterson was on the receiving end of an ugly and highly insensitive sledge from Maroons coach Billy Slater. He has responded to Slater’s controversial press conference.

Cory Paterson reacts to Billy Slater's sledging. Picture Fox Sports.

Cory Paterson has long forgiven Billy Slater for sledging him about his depression during a game 15 years ago.

The former Newcastle Knights ­forward is living in Texas in the US these days but stays in touch with the NRL via the internet and various websites.

Paterson is aware of the drama at Slater’s press conference in Perth last week when the Maroons coach spoke about being labelled a grub by Aaron Woods and the mental health ramifications this can have on those on the receiving end of derogatory remarks.

It was mentioned afterwards how Slater, during a game in 2010, had sledged Paterson at a time when he suffered from depression with the remark: “Go and have a cry in your room.”

Slater apologised but it was still a big story at the time.

So I contacted Paterson via social media over the weekend and he was quick to offer his support to ­Slater.

Cory Paterson reacts to Billy Slater's sledging. Picture Fox Sports.

“What happened between Billy and I was a long time ago,” he said.

“We sorted everything out there and then and I have no ill feelings whatsoever towards him.

“I’m sure he has grown a lot as a man over the last 15 years, as I have done.

“The stigma and society have also changed. It’s actually pretty unfair to him that people are bringing something up from so long ago that was in a different time and environment.”

Times certainly have changed.

Over the weekend I wrote the story of South Sydney Rabbitohs star Josh Schuster.

How he has taken an indefinite break from footy to work on his mental health with specialist help.

The support from the Rabbitohs is so heartwarming.

“Our only priority is Josh’s welfare and mental health,” CEO Blake Solly said.

“The Rabbitohs will continue to support Josh and his family through this period.”

Compare this to what Paterson had to deal with in 2010 when it was seen as such a weakness to admit emotional struggles.

Big, tough and strong footy players were never supposed to cry.

These days Paterson, 37, is in good health.

“I’m good, mate,” he said. “I’m working in oil and gas as well as doing some coaching here with American footballers and rugby guys. It’s all good fun.”

Former NRL forward Cory Paterson. Picture: Instagram

There will hopefully be a similar outcome for Schuster down the track.

Here is a young guy who is just 24 years of age.

Whether he plays rugby league again is completely irrelevant.

Importantly, Souths and rugby league will always be there to support him.

The game, in this area, has come such a long way.

Originally published as Cory Paterson: ‘I have no ill feelings whatsoever towards’ Billy Slater despite ugly sledge