NRL in mourning after shock death of legendary player, coach Paul Green, aged 49

The rugby league world is in mourning after the sudden death of Paul Green at 49 years old in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning.

Green had been in Sydney last weekend for the Cronulla ex-players’ reunion, one of five teams the former Australian and Queensland representative halfback played for during his career.

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‘HARD TO BELIEVE’: Tributes flow as NRL rocked by death of Paul Green

Remembering Paul Green’s amazing career | 08:32

“Today we are devastated,” Green’s family said in a statement.

“We have lost a devoted husband, loving father and wonderful brother and son. We cannot find the words that would come close to expressing our feelings, however we would like to extend our thanks to those who have reached out to us with their love and support.

“Paul was loved by so many and we know that this news will generate immense interest, however at this time we ask for privacy.

“Our family is still trying to understand this tragedy and we request space and time as we come to terms with this loss. Thank you.”

Queensland police also released a statement on Thursday afternoon.

“Police were called to a Wynnum residence just after 10am this morning after a 49-year-old was located unresponsive,” a Queensland police spokeswoman said.

“He was declared deceased by emergency crews a short time later.

“There are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be prepared for the coroner.”

The exact cause of death is not yet known.

It was also revealed on Thursday afternoon that Green had an assistant NRL coaching role lined up for next season.

“It will become clear in the next couple of days, Paul Green was going back into coaching next year as an assistant,” rugby league reporter Ben Dobbin told Triple M.

“He was going to get back into it and he had a pathway to get back to coaching first grade again. But he was taking an assistant job and working his way through it again. He leaves behind an enormous legacy. This is a huge loss. This bloke was an absolute superstar on and off the field.”

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Green had a decorated playing career which spanned 162 games, suiting up for the Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos.

He then made the switch to coaching after he hung up the boots, taking the Cowboys to their first-ever premiership in 2015 before also taking over the Queensland Maroons Origin side.

In a playing and coaching career of many highlights, Green’s greatest would be his role in taking North Queensland to its maiden premiership in 2015.

Green first took the helm at the Cowboys in 2014 and saw immediate results as the Cowboys won the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines tournament.

Paul Green in action for Cronulla.Source: News Corp Australia

North Queensland carried the pre-season form into the season proper, finishing in fifth spot on the ladder before being eliminated by the Roosters in dramatic fashion in the semi-finals.

The Cowboys improved to third in the 2015 season and this time around went all the way to the title, taking down the Broncos in a golden-point thriller for the ages.

North Queensland got back to the grand final under Green’s watch in 2017 too, even without legendary halfback Johnathan Thurston, but were outclassed by Melbourne.

Last year Thurston revealed the first conversation he had with Green that led to the drought-breaking title triumph in 2015.

“He arrived to the club in 2014 and I remember the first meeting we had at the Dally M’s of 2013,” Thurston told WWOS.

“He asked me what was the perception of the Cowboys at that time. I said, ‘We’re pretty inconsistent’. He stopped me pretty much and said ‘You can’t win away from home, and you can’t win when you’re on the sidelines’ so what do I need to do to change that?

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

“We needed to get everyone training to an intensity that is required and he did that, and over those years we went on to win a premiership, make four straight finals and another grand final so he’s a great coach.

“I was bought to the club in 2005 to win a premiership. He got everyone to that level and won that first ever premiership for the club which was great scenes for North Queensland and we’ll never forget it.”

Green said he would “always treasure” the premiership-winning year with the Cowboys upon his exit from the club in 2020.

“I am grateful to the board for allowing me to lead this club whilst creating some lifelong memories,” he said at the time.

Iconic: Green goes wild in 2015 GF win | 00:27

‘AN OUTSTANDING CAREER’: NRL WORLD PAYS TRIBUTE TO GREEN

Tributes were quick to flow in from the rugby league world after news broke of Green’s sudden death.

Former Melbourne Storm and Maroons hooker Cameron Smith called it “shocking news” on SEN Radio.

“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.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Maroons coach Paul Green celebrate. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“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.”

Kemp spent a bit of time learning from Green in the early stages of his career and paid tribute to his ability to turn around Queensland Cup team the Wynnum Seagulls after a challenging start to the season.

“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,” Kemp said.

“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.”

‘It’s numbed the state of Queensland’ | 03:08

Former teammate, Martin Lang, posted on Twitter: “This is so sad. Paul was a close mate, we moved to Sydney together in 1993….the beginning of an outstanding NRL playing/coaching career. My sincere condolences to Paul’s wife, children and his dear mum and dad. Rest In Peace mate.”

Meanwhile, Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings wrote: “Can’t believe the Paul Green news this morning. Achieved it all as a player and coach still had so much to give, taken way to soon. Thoughts and prayers with family and friends. Makes you realise to take nothing for granted. RIP.”

North Queensland halfback Chad Townsend also paid his respects, writing: “RIP Paul Green. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”

The Eels, Sharks and Roosters Broncos also posted tributes to Green on social media while the Cowboys made a statement on the club’s website.

“Paul first came to our club as a player in the late 90s and was the club’s first Origin representative, but his lasting legacy emanated from his seven-season tenure as Head Coach of the North Queensland Cowboys,” chairman Lewis Ramsay said.

“Paul’s arrival as Head Coach transformed our club from finals contenders to an immediate premiership force, culminating in the historic 2015 Grand Final victory.

“We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”

NRL OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys said: “Paul was a brilliant player, and then became one of the few to make a very successful transition into coaching. As a player, he represented Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos, and throughout his career had a reputation as a halfback who was as tough as he was skilful. Paul was rewarded with the Rothmans Medal in 1995.

“As a coach he led the North Queensland Cowboys to one of the most famous Grand Final victories of all time – against Brisbane Broncos in 2015. He represented Queensland and Australia as a player, and only last year coached the Maroons in the State of Origin series.

“I had the pleasure of sitting on the NRL Competition Committee and found Paul to be a passionate, smart and witty individual. Our condolences go to his family and to his many friends.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said: “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and on behalf of the game, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, his friends, and those who have been inspired and mentored by him over the course of his long career.”

PAUL GREEN FACT FILE

Playing record:

– Halfback; played 162 first grade games 1994-2004.

* Played 95 games for Cronulla (1994-98)

* 35 for North Queensland (1999-2000)

* 20 for SydneyRoosters (2001-02)

* 7 for Parramatta (2003)

* 5 for Brisbane (2004)

– Played for Cronulla in 1997 Super League grand final

– Represented Queensland in seven State of Origin games 1999-2001.

– Played two Super League Tests for Australia 1997

Coaching appointments:

– Brisbane Broncos Assistant Coach 2009

– Wynnum-Manly Intrust Super Cup 2010-12

– Sydney Roosters Holden Cup 2013

– Sydney Roosters Assistant NRL coach 2013

– Queensland Residents 2012-13

– North Queensland 2014-20

– Queensland 2021

Coaching achievements:

– Won Intrust Super Cup titles with Wynnum-Manly 2011, 2012

– Steered Sydney Roosters Holden Cup team to Finals Series 2013

– Took North Queensland to Finals Series 2014-17

– Won premiership with North Queensland 2015

– Won World Club Championship with North Queensland 2016

– Steered North Queensland to Grand Final 2017