Billy Slater apologises, Giants defender out, Wimbledon prep

On Origin 2 morning in Perth, Maroons coach Billy Slater apologised for referencing the late Paul Green during a fiery media exchange with ex-Blue Aaron Woods. Queensland must win at Optus Stadium to keep the series alive.

In the AFL, Giants defender Sam Taylor is out for up to six weeks with a broken toe, while Toby Greene may return Sunday against Gold Coast.

Alex De Minaur's Wimbledon prep took a hit, losing in straight sets to Jiri Lehecka at Queen’s.

7NEWS Sport Headlines with Nick Markham for June 18, 2025.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
You're listening to Sport Headlines seven News podcast. On the
morning of State of Origin two in Perth, Morions coach
Billy Slater issued a public apology for his stunning pregame
media conference. Slater regrets referencing his predecessor, the Lady Paul Green,
when responding to being called a grub by ex Blues

(00:21):
player Aaron Woods. The Marines need to win at opt
the Stadium to avoid a second straight series defeat, a
big blow for the Giants in the AFL, with key
defender Sam Taylor to miss up to six weeks with
a broken toe. Skipper Toby Green hopes to return from
a corked glute muscle in Sunday's game against Gold Coast,
and Alex Demonor's Wimbledon preparations have hit an early hurdle.

(00:44):
The Aussie world number twelve lost to Yury Lahedgeka in
straight sets in the first round of the lead up
event at Queen's Club in London. And that's your seven
New Sports Headlines for Wednesday, June eighteen. I'm Nick Market