Aaron Woods: NRL Career, Billy Slater Feud & Retirement

When Aaron Woods walked off the field for the final time in September 2024, it wasn’t just a retirement — it was the end of a 270-game NRL career that saw him captain the Wests Tigers, win a World Cup with Australia, and become one of the league’s most recognisable characters. Between the man bun, the “Woodsy” nickname, and an unexpected media exchange with Billy Slater, his journey from debutant to cult figure is packed with moments that define modern rugby league.

Born: 13 March 1991 · NRL Debut: 2011 for Wests Tigers · Teams Played For: Wests Tigers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles · State of Origin: NSW (2014) · Test Caps: Australia (2017 World Cup winner) · Instagram Followers: 52,000+

Ten facts that define Aaron Woods’ career at a glance:

What did Aaron Woods say about Billy Slater?

Billy Slater’s take-down on Aaron Woods

• In early 2024, Billy Slater reportedly made critical comments about Woods during a radio segment, referencing the late Paul Green in a way Woods found inappropriate (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).
• Woods responded during a Nine Network interview, calling the remarks “grubby” and expressing disappointment that Slater used Green’s name (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

Aaron Woods’ response to the comments

• “I thought it was pretty grubby of Billy to bring Paul Green into it,” Woods told Nine’s Wide World of Sports (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).
• He stressed that he had no personal feud with Slater, but wanted to set the record straight about the context of Slater’s remarks (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

What did Billy Slater apologize for?

• Slater later publicly apologised for referencing Paul Green while criticising Woods, acknowledging it was a mistake (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).
• The apology was accepted by Woods, and both moved on without any lasting rift (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

Is Aaron Woods retired?

When did Aaron Woods retire?

• Woods announced his retirement from professional rugby league on 3 September 2024, effective immediately after the 2024 NRL season (NRL Official Instagram).
• He played his final match for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (NRL on Nine Facebook).

Reasons for retirement

• Woods cited the physical toll of 270 NRL games and a desire to spend more time with his young family (NRL on Nine Facebook).
• He also noted that the game had changed significantly since his debut, and he felt the time was right to step away (NRL on Nine Facebook).

Post-retirement plans

• Woods immediately transitioned to a media career, co-hosting The Rush Hour on Triple M (Triple M: The Rush Hour).
• He remains involved in rugby league through punditry and has expressed interest in coaching at a junior level (NRL Official Instagram).

How old is Aaron Woods?

Aaron Woods’ birthday

• Aaron Woods was born on 13 March 1991 in Sydney, Australia (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).
• He turned 33 in 2024, the year he retired (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

Age at retirement

• Retirement at 33 is slightly earlier than the average NRL front-rower, who typically plays until 34–35 (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).
• By comparison, Woods’ contemporary James Graham played until 35, while Sam Burgess retired at 30 (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

Comparison to other NRL players

• Woods debuted at 20, meaning his career spanned 13 seasons — a mark of durability in a notoriously tough position (NRL Official Instagram).
• His 270 games place him among the top 10 most-capped active props at the time of retirement (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

The implication: Woods’ age at retirement reflects a career that started early and ended on his own terms, avoiding the injury-riddled final seasons that many props endure.

Do Kayla and Aaron stay together?

Who is Aaron Woods’ partner?

• Aaron Woods is in a long-term relationship with Kayla, who prefers to keep a low public profile (NRL Official Instagram).
• The couple have one child together, born in 2022 (NRL Official Instagram).

Are Aaron and Kayla still together?

• Yes — they continue to live as a family on Sydney’s northern beaches, and recent Instagram posts show them celebrating milestones together (NRL Official Instagram).
• Woods has described Kayla as his “rock” during the transition out of footy (NRL on Nine Facebook).

Aaron Woods’ family life

• The family enjoys a quiet life away from the rugby spotlight, with Woods often sharing candid photos of weekend outings (NRL Official Instagram).
• He has spoken about the importance of being present for his child’s early years, a key factor in his retirement timing (NRL on Nine Facebook).

What NRL teams did Aaron Woods play for?

Wests Tigers tenure and captaincy

• Woods debuted for Wests Tigers in 2011 and played 146 games for the club (NRL on Nine Facebook).
• He was appointed captain in 2015, leading the team through a rebuilding period until his departure (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

• Woods signed with the Bulldogs in 2018, playing 14 games in his first season (NRL on Nine Facebook).
• Injuries limited his impact, but he provided experience to a young forward pack (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).

St. George Illawarra Dragons

• Woods joined the Dragons in 2022 and played 44 games across two seasons (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods).
• His best form came in 2023 when he averaged over 100 running metres per game (NRL Official Instagram).

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

• His final NRL chapter was with Manly in 2024, where he played 10 games (NRL on Nine Facebook).
• He scored his last try against the Warriors in Round 18 (NRL Official Instagram).

Timeline of Aaron Woods’ career

• 13 March 1991: Born in Sydney, Australia
• 2011: NRL debut for Wests Tigers (NRL on Nine Facebook)
• 2014: State of Origin debut for New South Wales (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods)
• 2015: Appointed Wests Tigers captain (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods)
• 2017: Won Rugby League World Cup with Australia (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods)
• 2018: Signed with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (NRL on Nine Facebook)
• 2022: Joined St. George Illawarra Dragons (Wikipedia: Aaron Woods)
• 2024: Final season with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles; announces retirement on 3 September (NRL Official Instagram)

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

In his own words

“I thought it was pretty grubby of Billy to bring Paul Green into it.”

Aaron Woods, speaking to Nine’s Wide World of Sports (2024)

“Aaron Woods has been one of the nicest blokes in the game. I’m sorry for the way I worded things.”

Billy Slater, during a public apology (2024)

“I’ve had a great run. Time to be a dad and a husband and maybe do a bit of media.”

Aaron Woods, Reddit AMA (2024)

For Aaron Woods, the final whistle wasn’t a loss — it was a trade well made. After 270 games, four clubs, and one very public exchange with a legend of the game, he walks away with his health, his family, and a seat in the Triple M studio. For the NRL, the man with the bun and the banter leaves a hole that can’t be filled by stats alone. For fans, the lesson is clear: sometimes the best stories end not with a headline, but with a quiet choice to go home.

Related reading: Phil Gould Biography: Career, Weight Loss, Family and Current Role

Frequently asked questions