NewsBite

Updated

’We are devastated’: Paul Green’s family release statement after shock death

Tributes are pouring in for NRL icon Paul Green, as the football community reels from the news of his sudden death on Thursday.

4 min read
August 12, 2022 - 7:00AM
Interview with Paul Green days before his sudden death

Tributes are pouring in for NRL great Paul Green, as news of his shock death spreads across the country.

The former footy star turned premiership-winning coach passed away at his home in Brisbane on Thursday morning aged 49, the Courier-Mail reports.

According to the publication, a post-mortem will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

Friends were shocked as Green had not spoken about being ill and he had even been interviewed by the Sharks on Saturday at the club’s old boys night.

Green's family released a statement on Friday afternoon.

“Today we are devastated,” the statement began.

“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 feeling, 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.”

Green, who debuted and played the 95 games for the Sharks during the 90s, spoke to Sharks Media at PointsBet Stadium during a lap of honour as 100 former stars returned to the club.

“It’s great to be back, what a terrific night, great crowd — we’re at Shark Park so lets hope the footy’s flowing,” he said.

“Plenty of good memories here, it was great to catch up with all the old boys today — really well done by the club.”

It makes the news hit all the harder, particularly when Green had been linked to vacant coaching jobs in recent times and was expected to link with Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins next season.

Paul Green has tragically died aged 49. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
Paul Green has tragically died aged 49. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The news has rocked the NRL world, with Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith saying it was a “sad day for everyone”.

“A very sad part of the day,” Smith told SEN radio.

“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.”

Smith’s co-host, former NRL star Denan Kemp, also paid tribute to Green, who coached the winger when he was playing at Wynnum Manly in Queensland.

“I was fortunate enough (to know Green), he was my kicking and catching coach when I was coming through at the Broncos,” Kemp said.

“He was also my coach when I was at Wynnum, I had a small amount to do with him … he’s a fighter.

“It’s a very sad day, a very, very sad day.”

Tributes are pouring in for the coach. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Tributes are pouring in for the coach. Picture: Alix Sweeney

NRL clubs also posted tributes on social media.

The Brisbane Broncos branded Green a legend “on and off the field”.

“We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco, Paul Green. A legend on and off the field gone far too soon,” the Broncos said.

Green also played 20 games for the Sydney Roosters, missing the club’s 2002 premiership winning season after suffering a knee injury in the opening game of the season. He also played seven games for the Parramatta Eels.

The other clubs also took to social media and passed on their condolences.

Queensland Opposition leader David Crisafulli said Green was a “Maroon through and through”.

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

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

2GB host Jim Wilson expressed his shock on Twitter, saying Green was “taken away too young”.

“Shocked and so saddened of the death of premiership winning coach Paul Green, taken way too young at 49, thoughts with loved ones,” he said.

Seven News sports journalist Luke McGarry said he had “no words” and was “simply shocked” by the news of Green’s passing.

“The iconic vision of Paul Green in the box when Thurston kicked the winning field goal in 2015 is forever etched,” he wrote.

Green’s passing is another shocking loss to the Australian sports community after the deaths of Australian cricket legends Rod Marsh, Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds earlier this year.

Green had a decorated career as a player, stepping onto an NRL field more than 150 times for a host of clubs including Cronulla, North Queensland and the Roosters.

A scheming playmaker, Green played 95 games for the Sharks and was at the Roosters when they won the 2002 premiership.

The footy legend also played seven State of Origin matches for Queensland.

Green finished his NRL career at the Broncos in 2004 before turning his hand to coaching. His greatest achievement was leading the Cowboys to their maiden premiership in 2015, when they defeated Brisbane in one of the most thrilling grand finals in history.

Green also coached Queensland’s State of Origin team in 2021, when they lost the series to NSW 2-1.

After seven years in charge of North Queensland, he was replaced by Todd Payten at the end of 2020.

Green’s name had been thrown about as a potential mentor for a number of NRL sides who have parted ways with their coaches this year, including the Wests Tigers, Bulldogs and Warriors.

Originally published as ’We are devastated’: Paul Green’s family release statement after shock death

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/deeply-shocked-tributes-pour-in-after-nrl-legend-paul-green-dies-at-49/news-story/879fb9ed7fe424ae123913b9e95b7004