‘Hard to believe’: NRL world rocked by legend’s sudden death

The rugby league world has been left devastated by the sudden passing of former player and premiership-winning coach Paul Green.

The 49-year-old died at his Brisbane home on Thursday morning.

Courier Mail journalist Robert Craddock told Fox Sports News that Green’s passing had “really numbed the state” of Queensland.

“Paul passed away very suddenly this morning. There are rumours floating around about the cause of death but as of yet, it hasn’t been confirmed,” Craddock said.

“I think that we must let due process take place rather than speculate.

“But what I can say is it has been an event that’s really numbed the state of Queensland. I’ve just walked into the studio and there’s people walking around the newsroom still glued to their phones.

NRL IN MOURNING AFTER SHOCK DEATH OF LEGENDARY PLAYER, COACH PAUL GREEN

“Paul was so well known up here for decades really, starting out as a Wynnum-Manly boy and then the East Tigers, and winning a Rothmans Medal.

“Going to Sydney and winning a Rothmans Medal with Cronulla, I don’t think anyone else has done that. Both states best player.

“It’s a real shock.”

Green etched his name into rugby league folklore when he coached the Cowboys to a maiden NRL premiership in 2015, in incredible circumstances.

Playmaker Michael Morgan skipped across the field as the siren sounded, before a perfect offload saw winger Kyle Feldt score in the corner.

The vision of Green frantically celebrating in the coach’s box will not be forgotten any time soon.

“That was the gold stud of his career as a player or a coach,” Craddock added.

“It wasn’t just the Grand Final victory, it was the manner of it. The extra time field goal, the fact it was against the Broncos, the drama, the theatre, it was one of the greatest games ever played.

“He surfed that wave and I think that was his signature moment of his entire rugby league career … They were a very good team that was extra well coached.

“That made it extra special for them (beating the Broncos).

“The glow of that Grand Final just latest for months and years because it immortalised them.”

In reacting to the news, former Melbourne Storm and Maroons hooker Cameron Smith said he had been left stunned.

“A very sad part of the day,” Smith said, reacting to the news alongside Denan Kemp, who was coached by Green in the early stages of his rugby league career.

“It’s certainly rocked myself and Kempy in the studio and everyone in the rugby league world.

“It’s a sad day for everyone involved in the rugby league family and community. We send our best wishes and condolences out to the entire Green family.

“I was fortunate enough, he was my kicking and catching coach when I was coming through at the Broncos and he was also my coach when I was at Wynnum.

Johnathan Thurston and Paul Green after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final.Source: News Corp Australia

“I had a small amount to do with him but in the time I did, it was actually really interesting the year I was at Wynnum I ended up signing with another club to leave but we had a really tough start to the season. Greeny managed to turn the Wynnum Seagulls around and we won the premiership that year.

“He’s a fighter. It’s a very sad day to see Greeny go like that.”

Remembering Paul Green’s amazing career | 08:32

Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend, who was not part of that famous win, was one of the first players from the club to share a tribute following the sudden news.

“RIP Paul Green,” Townsend wrote.

“Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”

Meanwhile, Wests Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings penned a heartfelt tribute to Green after the premiership coach’s tragic passing.

“Can’t believe the Paul Green news this morning,” he wrote on Twitter. “Achieved it all as a player and coach, still had so much to give, taken way too soon.

“Thoughts and prayers with family and friends. Makes you realise to take nothing for granted. RIP.”

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Queensland leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli shared a touching tribute to the Queenslander on Thursday afternoon.

“Paul Green was Maroon through and through,” Crisafulli wrote.

“He was a wonderful player but his greatest achievement came as a coach when he guided the Cowboys to a maiden Premiership in 2015.

“I’m deeply shocked to learn of his death & send my condolences to his family, friends & the NRL community.”