Paul Green's family breaks silence after NRL icon's tragic death
The devastated family of Paul Green has released a statement in the wake of the NRL icon's death, as the rugby league community struggles to come to terms with his tragic passing.
Green reportedly died at his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, with a post-mortem set to be carried out in the wake of the tragedy.
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At this stage, the 49-year-old's cause of death has not been reported.
Green is survived by his wife Amanda and children Emerson and Jed.
With tributes to the much loved former player and coach pouring in across social media, Green's family have expressed their heartbreak at his shock passing.
“Today we are devastated,” the family statement said.
“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.”
Green enjoyed a successful 162-game career in first grade rugby league in Australia, where he played for Cronulla, North Queensland, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta and Brisbane.
He also represented Queensland nine times in State of Origin as a player, before coaching the Maroons in 2021.
However, Green is perhaps best known for his coaching exploits with the North Queensland Cowboys, having led the club to its inaugural NRL premiership in 2015.
His shock passing has sparked a flood of tributes across social media, with NRL clubs, players, commentators and fans all left devastated by the news.
“It’s very sad news,” NRL legend Cameron 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.”
Paul Green's tragic death rocks rugby league world
Green's death has sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media with NRL clubs, players, former teammates and rugby league fans all left devastated by the news.
Vale Paul Green.
The Rugby League community has lost a legendary player and coach today.
Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the countless fans who loved him. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/dUeUc4sPEL— NRL (@NRL) August 11, 2022
“We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”
— NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) August 11, 2022
We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco, Paul Green.
A legend on and off the field gone far too soon ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wTe4pe1bvw— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) August 11, 2022
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Eel #646 Paul Green. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues for their loss 🙏
Rest in Peace to a great man, player & coach 💙 pic.twitter.com/4NdGKPqrVY— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) August 11, 2022
You were with us just last weekend, this is such a sad day for rugby league. A brilliant player, coach and man. Rest In Peace Paul ❤️ our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. pic.twitter.com/NAQPY5T43G
— Cronulla Sharks (@cronullasharks) August 11, 2022
Todays news has knocked me for 6. Rest In Peace Paul Green. A good mate to many, a very good player and wonderful coach. But an outstanding human being. I’m thinking of his family and many friends. Rest In Peace mate, you’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/0jG9okbDDE
— Peter Psaltis (@peterp79) August 11, 2022
RIP Paul Green
Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time 🕊— Chad Townsend (@chadtownsend10) August 11, 2022
The extended Roosters family are deeply saddened to have lost Paul Green, a Rooster for life. Our thoughts are with his family.
Forever #Rooster998 pic.twitter.com/I8eSaB68bF— Sydney Roosters 🐓 (@sydneyroosters) August 11, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Paul Green following his sudden passing
A wonderful man, player and coach. Rest in Peace, 'Greeny' ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y64rdJJJ3v— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) August 11, 2022
This is so sad. 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. https://t.co/idlWrorHeH— Martin Lang (@Martin_Lang11) August 11, 2022
Green was in charge at the Cowboys for 167 games, with the 2015 premiership coming in just his second season as head coach.
The highly respected rugby league professional had been regularly linked to a return to coaching at various NRL clubs this year after Trent Barrett and Michael Maguire were sacked by the Bulldogs and Tigers respectively.
He had also reportedly been offered an assistant coaching role under Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins for the Redcliffe-based team's inaugural season in 2023.
Green was in Sydney only last weekend for a Cronulla Sharks' ex-players’ reunion - the club where he played 95 games before moving to Townsville.
He joined the likes of Mat Rogers and David Peachey at the ‘Great White Sharks Reunion’ at Shark Park and didn't display any signs of ill health.
with AAP
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