The family of the late rugby league star and premiership-winning coach Paul Green have issued a statement following his sudden death as they attempt to “understand this tragedy”.
Green passed away suddenly in his Brisbane home at the age of 49 on Thursday, August 11. A post-mortem is expected to be carried out in order to determine Green’s cause of death.
“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 feelings, 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.”
A devastated rugby league community is in mourning following the sudden death of Green whose decorated playing career included taking the field an incredible 162 times with a number of clubs which included the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, and the Brisbane Broncos. He also represented Queensland in seven State of Origin games and played two matches for the Australian Super League team in 1997.
Following Green’s impressive playing career he turned his attention toward coaching after his retirement, where he famously led the North Queensland Cowboys to their first Grand Final in a decade. The Cowboys went to win the final with a 17-16 win over the Brisbane Broncos.
The monumental win made Green the first coach in history to defeat the Brisbane Broncos in a Grand Final.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM paid tribute to Green, reflecting on a “passionate, smart and witty individual” while offering his condolences to those close to him.
“Paul was a brilliant player, and then became one of the few to make a very successful transition into coaching,” V’landys said.
“As a player, he represented Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos, and throughout his career had a reputation as a halfback who was as tough as he was skilful. Paul was rewarded with the Rothmans Medal in 1995.
“As a coach he led the North Queensland Cowboys to one of the most famous Grand Final victories of all time – against Brisbane Broncos in 2015.
“He represented Queensland and Australia as a player, and only last year coached the Maroons in the State of Origin series.
“I had the pleasure of sitting on the NRL Competition Committee and found Paul to be a passionate, smart and witty individual. Our condolences go to his family and to his many friends.”
National Rugby League (NRL) CEO Andrew Abdo said the rugby league community is “deeply saddened by this loss”.
“On behalf of the game, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s family, his friends, and those who have been inspired and mentored by him over the course of his long career,” Abdo said.
Green is survived by his wife Amanda and two children Emerson and Jed.
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