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Paul Green’s cause of sudden death confirmed

Paul Green’s sudden death at his home has stunned friends and family, who had no indication there was anything wrong with the NRL icon.

3 min read
August 11, 2022 - 9:39PM
Interview with Paul Green days before his sudden death

Premiership-winning NRL coach Paul Green’s sudden death aged 49 at his Brisbane home has stunned his friends, family and the rugby league community.

Green’s family released a statement on Thursday 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.”

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

A Queensland police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to a Wynnum residence just after 10am this morning after a 49-year-old was located unresponsive.

“He was declared deceased by emergency crews a short time later. There are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be prepared for the coroner.”

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.

Former North Queensland coach Paul Green has died. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Former North Queensland coach Paul Green has died. Picture: Alix Sweeney
Paul Green with wife Amanda in 2016. Picture: Zak Simmonds
Paul Green with wife Amanda in 2016. Picture: Zak Simmonds

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.

He quit at the end of the series and was replaced by Billy Slater.

Green was still in NRL coaching calculations, often linked to vacancies at several clubs. He was set to make his comeback to coaching on Wayne Bennett’s staff in the Dolphins’ inaugural season next year.

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

Green when he was named Queensland Origin coach. Picture QRL/Jorja Brinums
Green when he was named Queensland Origin coach. Picture QRL/Jorja Brinums

The rugby league world was quick to pay tribute Green. The game’s most capped player Cameron Smith was stunned as the news filtered through.

“It’s very sad news,” Smith told SEN 1170’s The Captain’s Run.

“He was a premiership coach of course with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2015.

“It’s a very sad day for all involved with the rugby league family and the rugby league community, and we send our condolences out to the entire Green family.”

Ex-NRL star Denan Kemp said it hit close to home for him as he was coached by Green.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Broadcaster Ray Hadley was stunned by the news, saying: “I’m just absolutely stunned, Paul Green has passed away tragically. Just terrible, absolutely terrible.”

Former teammate Martin Lang also paid tribute.

“This is so sad,” he tweeted. “Paul was a close mate, we moved to Sydney together in 1993….the beginning of an outstanding NRL playing/coaching career. My sincere condolences to Paul’s wife, children and his dear mum and dad. Rest In Peace mate.”

Current North Queensland halfback Chad Townsend posted on Twitter: “RIP Paul Green. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/paul-greens-cause-of-death-to-be-determined-by-autopsy-after-sudden-death-at-brisbane-home/news-story/9bc7a38e2ff5c9a2a1e4f56ab888eb4f