In a recent episode of ABC’s Offsiders, former State of Origin player Ryan Hoffman voiced strong criticism against Aaron Woods, a fellow former Blues teammate. Hoffman condemned Woods for making derogatory comments about Queensland coach Billy Slater, labelling him a "grub" during a radio talk show. This remark has seemingly sparked a feud between Woods and Slater, resulting in Slater issuing an apology for his own comments that referenced the late Paul Green.
Hoffman, who played alongside Woods in three consecutive Origin series from 2013 to 2015, defended Slater, asserting that Woods had "crossed the line." He expressed that while it is acceptable to critique Slater’s tactics and selections, disparaging remarks undermine the sport and its spirit. Hoffman argued that such comments only serve to sensationalise the Origin rivalry, which he believes is already rife with media-generated drama.
On the show, Hoffman highlighted the ongoing struggle within media coverage of Origin games, where unnecessary remarks create divisions and foster negativity. He questioned where the boundaries should lie for banter in sports, pointing out that Woods’ comments could lead to a toxic environment where disrespectful comments go unchecked.
Emphasising the need for decorum, Hoffman characterised Woods as "a coward" for using a microphone to voice such inflammatory opinions, contrasting this with Slater’s willingness to address his mistakes directly and respectfully, particularly in relation to the Green family.
Following Woods’ controversial statements on Triple M radio, Hoffman took to social media to convey his disapproval, indicating that referencing events from five years prior—long before Woods was established in the NRL—was unwarranted. He stressed that Slater has built a reputation in the media based on respect and professionalism, not through disparaging others.
Having played 325 NRL games and winning a premiership with Slater at Melbourne, Hoffman’s thoughts on the rivalry underscore the importance of maintaining integrity within the sport, especially during the passionate State of Origin series.