Rugby League icon dead at 49

The NRL world is in mourning following the death of legendary coach and former player Paul Green at the age of 49. 

The premiership-winning coach had reportedly not complained about any illness and was found dead at his home in Brisbane on Thursday. 

A post-mortem will be carried out to determine his cause of death.  

Former Melbourne Storm and Maroons hooker Cameron Smith, who was coached by Green in the earlier days said he was “heartbroken” upon hearing the news.

“A very sad part of the day,” he said. 

“It’s certainly rocked myself…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.

“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.”

Green had an incredible NRL career, playing 162 first grade matches between 1994-2004 and winning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1995 as the game’s best and fairest.

He played for several different clubs including Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos.

Green eventually swapped his playing boots to coaching ones as he took on the North Queensland Cowboys from 2014-2020.

He helped the Cowboys finally win their first ever premiership in 2015. 

Green last coached Queensland’s State of Origin side in 2021 and was due for a comeback into coaching in 2023 with the new NRL team, Dolphins. 

Green is survived by wife Amanda and children Emerson and Jed.

Image: Getty