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Paul Green has left the Cowboys midway through 2020 season

Paul Green has departed the North Queensland Cowboys after a disaster first half to the season.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 09: Cowboys coach Paul Green looks on before the start of the round nine NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Sydney Roosters at QCB Stadium on July 09, 2020 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 09: Cowboys coach Paul Green looks on before the start of the round nine NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Sydney Roosters at QCB Stadium on July 09, 2020 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Paul Green has departed the North Queensland Cowboys after a disaster first half to the season

Reports suggest Green notified the club last week the game against Penrith would be his last in charge.

The 2015 premiership winning coach, who also guided the side to a grand final in 2017, has had three poor seasons in a row with the side.

In announcing this news, Green said that after consultation with club management, it became

clear that it was best for all parties to call time on his tenure as head coach.

“After seven years as head coach it is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement,”

Green said.

“The board felt that the club was at a juncture where they needed to move in a different

direction, and I can only respect their views.

“Whilst this is obviously disappointing news, I am grateful to the board for allowing me to

lead this club whilst creating some lifelong memories. I will use this next period to freshen up, spend some time with my family and assess options before moving on to my next coaching role”.

NRL; North Queensland Cowboys training at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Head Coach Paul Green . Picture: Alix Sweeney
NRL; North Queensland Cowboys training at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Head Coach Paul Green . Picture: Alix Sweeney

Assistant coach Josh Hannay will take the helm for the remainder of the 2020 season while

the club undertakes a thorough recruitment process.

“I’m pleased the club is providing an opportunity for Josh Hannay and David Tangata-Toa to

stretch themselves in the coming weeks and thank them, our football staff and our players for

their support. We have some terrific young players coming through our system which will set

up the club for further success in the future,” Green said.

“I’d also like to thank all of those who aided in delivering the club’s first premiership to the

North Queensland community - being a part of that historical season is something I will

always treasure.”

Cowboy's Coach Paul Green and Johnathan Thurston celebrate after the Cowboys won the 2015 NRL Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello
Cowboy's Coach Paul Green and Johnathan Thurston celebrate after the Cowboys won the 2015 NRL Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

Chairman Lewis Ramsay thanked Green for his pivotal contribution to the club.

“Paul has spearheaded some remarkable achievements during his time with us and we will

be forever thankful for the club-defining moments he has generated,” Ramsay said.

The Cowboys finished 13th in 2018 and 14th in 2019, despite having a roster capable of finals football.

North Queensland currently sit 12th on the ladder after three wins and seven loses so far in 2020.

The Cowboys had an improved performance against the Panthers on Sunday in their 22-10 loss.

The result came after back to back thrashings to competition heavyweights Parramatta and the Sydney Roosters.

Green said he was proud of his side’s effort against the Panthers, particualry those of teenagers Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Daejarn Asi.

North Queensland Cowboys Coach Paul Green and CEO Jeff Reibel speak to media ahead of NRL's announcement of the season restart. Picture: Alix Sweeney
North Queensland Cowboys Coach Paul Green and CEO Jeff Reibel speak to media ahead of NRL's announcement of the season restart. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“It’s my job to teach them, but teach them in a way where you’re not taking their confidence away each week either. You always need to be honest, and they need to be accountable, but sometimes it’s about how you deliver it,” Green said.

“That is the hard part, particularly at the moment because I was proud of their efforts. I thought we turned up with a lot more intent and I thought we showed more grit in defence in particular.

“It’s my job to come up with a game plan each week to give the players belief that if they execute it they can win the game.”

The Cowboys host Manly this Friday night at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

MORE TO COME

Originally published as Paul Green has left the Cowboys midway through 2020 season

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/townsville/paul-green-has-quit-as-cowboys-coach-midway-through-2020-season/news-story/cd8a4b3174dfbe62105417d322c22e35