Wynnum Manly Seagulls and bayside community pay tribute to legendary coach, Paul Green

He achieved something even the greats couldn’t do but that’s only part of the reason the impact of Paul Green will be felt forever at his original home-ground the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

He was a born and bred baysider, a Wynnum Manly Seagulls junior who became the first coach to lead the historic club to its first ever back-to-back premierships.

The bayside, Queensland and Australian rugby league community is in shock after Paul Green’s passing.

When you think about it, there was no one bigger on the bayside than Greeny and no one who was more proud of his roots.

Wynnum Manly Seagulls coach Paul Green

Having gone on to a remarkably successful playing career in the NRL, where he also played State of Origin, the messiah would return to Kougari Oval and take the Seagulls back to the glory days of the 1980s.

Rygby league greats like Wally Lewis, Des Morris and so many others have all coached Wynnum Manly but none achieved what Greeny could.

With his trademark fiery nature and competitiveness, the former NRL playmaker would take the Seagulls from sixth position to the Queensland Cup premiership in 2011 before repeating the feat in 2012, beating fierce rivals the Redcliffe Dolphins.

And it’s the scenes at the end of the 2012 grand final, which will live in the minds of baysiders and Seagulls fans forever, as Greeny jumped into the arms of then club CEO Scott Thornton to celebrate Wynnum Manly’s first ever consecutive titles.

Paul Green after the 2012 Queensland Cup grand final.

It was in that moment when Greeny truly achieved legend status on the bayside - if he hadn’t already.

He would then go on to reach new levels of fame, winning an NRL premiership as an assistant with the Sydney Roosters before leading the Cowboys to their first ever competition win. He then before the Maroons coach.

But despite this, he would always find time to return to the bayside, attend charity events, junior trainings and give back to the community where he grew up.

And it’s that community where, after his tragic passing today, his presence will truly be missed.

In a statement, his beloved Seagulls said he would always hold a special place in the hearts of the club members.

Legendary Seagulls coach Paul Green and former captain Luke Dalziel-Don.

“Paul and his family have been stalwarts of rugby league on the Bayside for decades and his love and commitment to the Club has never wavered. As recently as two weeks ago he assisted with the process to appoint the Seagulls new coach, Matthew Head, for 2023,” acting CEO, Tom Solah, said.

“Our thoughts are with his family, and particularly wife Amanda and children Emerson and Jed, at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”

Other fans and members of the bayside also spoke out about their love for the legendary coach.

“A sad day for all Seagulls, Broncos and Cowboys supporters as well as the wider rugby league community with the sudden death of coach Paul Green. A player who excelled he will be well remembered and sadly missed. RIP Paul Green,” Neil Carmichael said.

“RIP Grenny - very hard to replace legends like you mate,” Geoff Weston said.

Green was due to celebrate his 50th birthday next month.