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Former New South Wales State of Origin star Ryan Hoffman has launched a scathing attack on ex-teammate Aaron Woods, labelling him a 'coward' over controversial comments made about Queensland legend Billy Slater. The fiery exchange occurred during Sunday's ABC's Offsiders program, where Hoffman didn't hold back in his criticism of Woods’ behaviour in the lead-up to a crucial Origin match.

The controversy stems from Woods’ public labelling of Slater as a “grub” prior to a game, a remark that Hoffman believes was not only disrespectful but also crossed a significant line. Hoffman, who earned 14 NSW caps during his career, expressed his disappointment and frustration with Woods’ actions, suggesting they were a calculated attempt to gain an advantage rather than genuine sentiment.

“I think it’s cowardly, to be honest,” Hoffman stated on Offsiders. “To come out and say those things about a player like Billy Slater, who's a legend of the game, is just unacceptable. It’s a tactic, and it’s a poor one at that. It doesn’t reflect well on the team or the state.”

The comments have reignited the long-standing rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland, and are sure to fuel debate amongst fans and pundits alike. Hoffman’s strong words highlight the importance of sportsmanship and respect, even in the heat of competition. He emphasized that while a bit of pre-match banter is expected, Woods’ remarks were overly personal and crossed the boundary of acceptable behaviour.

Woods' time as captain of the Wests Tigers was marked by both success and controversy, and this latest incident adds another chapter to his often-tumultuous career. Hoffman's critique is particularly noteworthy coming from a former teammate, suggesting a deep level of disappointment within the NSW ranks.

The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility players have to represent their state and their team with integrity and respect. While the State of Origin series is known for its intensity and passion, Hoffman’s comments underscore the need for players to maintain a level of professionalism and sportsmanship, even when facing fierce rivals. The fallout from Woods’ comments is likely to continue, and Hoffman’s strong condemnation is sure to resonate with many fans who value fair play and respect in the sport.

This latest development adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating State of Origin rivalry. It will be interesting to see how these events impact the current and future dynamics between the two teams, and whether Woods will address Hoffman’s accusations.