Tributes are flooding in for premiership-winning NRL coach Paul Green following his sudden death at the age of 49.
Green passed away at his Brisbane home on Thursday prompting an outpouring of messages and tributes from heads of state, friends and NRL players and clubs.
Green was in charge of North Queensland when the Cowboys won their maiden premiership in 2015 before coaching Queensland in 2021, with both club and state extending their condolences to his family and friends.
“Paul’s arrival as head coach transformed our club from finals contenders to an immediate premiership force, culminating in the historic 2015 grand final victory,” said Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay.
Long-time friend Martin Lang wrote on Twitter about the time when they moved to Sydney together in 1993 … “the beginning of an outstanding NRL playing/coaching career,” he said.
Former premiership-winning halfback Michael Morgan told Triple M Green’s influence as a coach was second to none.
“He was more than influential, he helped me carve out the career that I did have,” Morgan said.
“It’s no coincidence once he took over that he gave me an opportunity at fullback, it’s a position I’d never played in before and taught me, and I said it throughout my career when he unfortunately moved on from the Cowboys how much he taught me about the game.
“You grow up playing it, you think you know everything but he just opened up a whole new world to the actual knowledge of the game for me.
“Never been able to thank him enough.”
Mat Rodgers, his former teammate at Cronulla, said Green was always a fierce competitor across his 162-game playing career and his small stature never impeded his ability.
“We played together for years and he was just an incredible competitor. There was nothing of him and he just never took a backward step,” Rogers told AAP.
Cowboys co-captain Chad Townsend took to Twitter to extend his condolences.
“RIP Paul Green. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time,” he said.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said his thoughts were with Green’s family and friends.
“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,” he said.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said on behalf of the league there will be many current and former players hurting due to the impact Green had as a coach and mentor.
Former NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said: “I enjoyed some time with him recently & he was in great spirits and looking forward to the next phase of his life. Tragic news. Sending love & best wishes to his family.”
The Roosters and Broncos both passed on their condolences to Green’s family and said they were deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Two of his former clubs also sent their condolences.
“The extended Roosters family are deeply saddened to have lost Paul Green, a Rooster for life. Our thoughts are with his family. A Rooster for life. Forever #Rooster998,” the club tweeted.
“We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco, Paul Green,” the Broncos tweeted.
“A legend on and off the field gone far too soon.”
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was shocked and saddened to hear of Green’s death and passed on her deepest condolences to his friends and family.
© AAP 2022
