Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston ‘devastated’ over Paul Green’s death

The rugby league world is in mourning over Paul Green’s shock death and Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston is “shattered” by the loss.

Tributes are continuing to pour in for Paul Green after the rugby league legend’s sudden death at age 49.

The premiership-winning NRL coach’s death at his Brisbane home has stunned his friends, family and the rugby league community.

“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 feeling, however we would like to extend our thanks to those who have reached out to us with their love and support.

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“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.”

It has been confirmed the NRL great took his own life.

The rugby league world was quick to pay tribute to Green and several former players continued to honour him on Thursday night.

Corey Parker, who played with Green at the Brisbane Broncos in 2004, held back tears as he reflected on the impact Green had on him.

“It’s a truly sad day for rugby league and everyone in the rugby league community who have in some way been touched by Paul Green and what he was able to do,” Parker said on Fox League.

“He was a lot of things to many people.

“To me personally, Greeny was a teammate, he was a coach, and more importantly he was a terrific and wonderful friend. My deepest condolences go to Amanda, (children) Emerson and Jed, and their extended family.

Paul Green in 2020. Picture NRL photos

“Greeny was one of those guys – it’s really hard to put into words at the moment, the raw emotion that the whole rugby league world is feeling about Paul Green.

“For me Greeny was that witty, funny, passionate, caring individual (who) no matter the circumstance found a way to accommodate your needs, to make you feel like you were the most important person.

“Greeny was incredibly talented in regards to his mind, in regards to rugby league, and that’s been well spoken about over the recent few hours.

“It’s a really sad moment … It’s just devastating to think that one of our own won’t be with you anymore.”

Green famously led the North Queensland Cowboys to their inaugural premiership in 2015, with captain Johnathan Thurston sealing the epic Grand Final win with a field goal.

Thurston had flown down to Sydney to commentate on Thursday night’s game between Penrith and the Melbourne Storm for Channel 9 but was too devastated by the news and flew straight back to Townsville.

“Our mate Johnathan Thurston was meant to be with us here,” host James Bracey said on the Channel 9 broadcast.

“We send our condolences to JT, who’s hurting.”

RIP GREENY: Some people have broken down on phone speaking about Paul Green today. Even sadder knowing he was so young and a family man

Johnathan Thurston shattered. Flew down for Penrith game, but Nine have put him on first flight back to Townsville😢

— christian nicolussi (@mrchrisnico) August 11, 2022

Cameron Smith added: “I spent a couple of hours with JT this afternoon. He was absolutely devastated, as were many of the players and his teammates in that Cowboys outfit that were coached by Paul Green.

Cowboy's coach Paul Green and Johnathan Thurston celebrate after the Cowboys won during the 2015 NRL Grand Final. Pic Brett Costello

Two Cowboys legends. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“We just want to send our best wishes to all those players and particularly our mate JT. He’s flying home right now actually to be with his family.

“Mate, we feel for you and as the entire rugby league community do for everyone that was involved with Paul Green and his family, we wish you all the very best.”

Smith said he was still stunned by Green’s death and sent his well wishes to his family.

“Heartbreaking, pretty hard to believe actually,” he said.

“Still in shock that we’ve heard the news that we did just before lunchtime today.

“Many people think of him as a coach but he was such a wonderful player as well — played close to 160 NRL games, played in a Grand Final with the Sharks in the Super League season, played for Queensland, represented Australia in a Test match.

“Just so very sad to hear of his passing and we send our best wishes to the entire Green family.”

Panthers and Storm players wore black armbands and a minute of silence was observed.

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

Friends were left shocked by the news, saying Green was in perfect health and up to date with health checks before his death. He had flown down to Sydney just last weekend for the Cronulla Sharks reunion.

Green played for a decade at the top level with stints at the Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos. He also played seven State of Origin matches for Queensland, and two Tests for Australia during the tumultuous Super League war of the 1990s.

But it was Green’s turn as a coach which left his biggest legacy on the NRL, leading the Cowboys to the club’s first premiership in 2015 and another grand final in 2017.

After leaving the Cowboys in 2020, Green was appointed coach of the Maroons in 2021 but lost that year’s series to NSW 2-1.