Hundreds of Paul Green’s family, friends and members of the NRL community have gathered in Brisbane today to celebrate the life of the rugby league great.
Paul Green’s wife, Amanda, has led the tributes – describing him as an “amazing man” who was “engaging, intelligent, cheeky, and so much fun”.
The 49-year-old’s passing rocked the NRL community, after he was found dead in his Brisbane home earlier this month.
Speaking beside their two children, Emerson and Jed, Amanda Green detailed the moment the pair met back in 1998 in Townsville, and how their marriage was filled with love.
“We connected instantly. I knew from that moment that there was something special about this man,” Ms Green said.
“The day Paul proposed to me, I clearly remember him saying, ‘you better strap yourself in, babe, this is going to be one hell of a ride,’ and what a ride it’s been,
“I feel so incredibly blessed to have been married to Paul for the last 15 years. He truly was the most amazing husband who I’m going to miss dearly. We had the deepest love and the happiest marriage. He always made me feel truly supported and completely and utterly loved,
“I loved you yesterday, I love you today. And I will love you forever.”
Paul Green’s teenage daughter, Emerson, also spoke to farewell her father, saying ” I was always your little angel, but now you are mine.”
“He taught me many lessons, not just in sport, but in life. He taught me that it doesn’t matter what other people think of you, and without confidence in yourself, you can never achieve the great,”
“Dad was a confident and fun person. He always knew how to bust a move and like to think he had an amazing voice.”
Nine-year-old Jed bravely spoke as well, describing his father as being “the best dad ever” and detailing how much he loved playing sport with him and going fishing.
The funeral has been live streamed on the Queensland Rugby League website, available for members of the public to watch and pay their respects.
Paul Green will be laid to rest at the home of the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in Brisbane, where he played the majority of his football.
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