State of Origin II LIVE: Phil Gould Calls Out Billy Slater and Aaron Woods for ‘Toxic, Childish’ Pre-Game Fracas

Renowned former NSW coach Phil Gould has expressed his discontent regarding the ongoing spat between Aaron Woods and Billy Slater in the lead-up to Origin II.

Last week, Woods labelled Slater a “grub” during a radio segment, prompting an emotional reaction from the Maroons coach, who referenced the late Queensland player and coach Paul Green.

During a segment on Nine’s Today in Perth this morning, Gould appeared unimpressed by the entire situation.

“I could provide a lengthy response, but there’s a simple one too,” Gould stated.

“The concise answer is that this is not how you promote Origin, and such antics were unnecessary.

“It’s indicative of our rugby league media, which at times I find to be toxic and immature.

“If the aim was to stoke Queensland’s fire, this is just another way to achieve that… attacking their coach like this is definitely fuel for the flames.”