Aaron Woods smacks down Corey Parker and Cameron Smith after State of Origin complaint

Former Blues forward Aaron Woods has taken a swipe at Corey Parker over his take on the State of Origin Game 3 scuffle as Cameron Smith gives his view on the controversial incident. One of the major talking points coming out of the Blues' series victory was the bans handed to Haumole Olakau’atu and Cameron Murray.

The Blues duo got involved in an on-field scuffle as they entered from the sidelines. Murray was on the bench at the time, but Olakau’atu was 19th man for the Blues in Game 3 and was there with the squad after his appearances in Game 1 and 2. However, Olakau’atu entered the fray when it crossed the white line and his involvement caused an almighty stir.

Olakau'atu and Murray were both hit with a two game ban. Both accepted the bans, but Maroons great Parker was not satisfied with Olakau’atu's punishment and claimed he should be spending more time away from the game having joined a scuffle from the sideline. He singled out Olakau’atu's involvement and claimed the Manly forward got off lightly.

"It's completely unacceptable. It's ludicrous," Parker said on SEN Radio. "He should get six weeks at least. We can not have someone not involved in the game at all being involved in a melee like that."

Maroons legend Smith agreed with Parker and was critical of the two-week ban handed down to Olakau’atu. The Storm legend said the image of Olakau’atu getting involved from the sideline when not wearing a sky blue jersey was not a good look for the game.

“When you hear Graham Annesley talk and you hear people representing the NRL talk about the mums and dads at home and what they see and what the children are looking at… I think there was an opportunity for the NRL to take a tougher stance, particularly on Olakau'atu,” Smith said on SEN Radio.

“I know he came out and said he was just sticking up for his mates but at the end of the day, you just cannot do that. You’re not part of the game, you’re actually not a part of the match. Dressed in a suit on the sidelines and going in and putting your hands on a player… a two week suspension for that, that’s just not good enough.”

Aaron Woods slams Corey Parker over State of Origin claim

While the Queensland duo are adamant Olakau’atu should have been hit with a bigger ban, former Blues forward Woods is not. The Manly prop took aim at Parker's carry-on over the incident and took a swipe at the NRL great for what he believes is an exaggerated take.

"Haumole Olakau’atu got the two week suspension, which was warranted...but Corey Parker has come out and said he deserves six weeks," Woods said on Triple M Radio. "Corey, mate, just go back in the little hole you were in and and just shut up mate."

The State of Origin incident stemmed from a feisty push and shove between Daly Cherry-Evans and Jarome Luai at the 30-minute mark on Wednesday night. The incident saw players charge in from all over the pitch as those on and off the field got involved.

RELATED:

• Brisbane Broncos cop big blow as assistant coach confirms exit

• Ugly truth about Reece Walsh as Roosters rocked by massive title blow

After the event, Olakau’atu told the Sydney Morning Herald he doesn't regret what he did and even claimed he would do it again. “There was more maroon than blue, so I was just being a friend,” Olakau’atu said.

“I wanted to help a brother out … Obviously now [I’m worried]. But in the moment, I was helping out a brother. I’ve only met these guys through footy, but to get to know them on a deeper level in camp, it’s a special thing. I wish nothing but the best for all of them."

Olakau’atu is expected to return against the Raiders in Round 23 after Manly have the bye. Murray will return against the Sharks in round 22.