Cameron Smith leads tributes to Paul Green after tragic death
Tributes are pouring in across the rugby league world in the wake of Paul Green's sudden and tragic death at the age of 49.
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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According to the Daily Telegraph, Green had not complained about feeling ill before his death.
At this stage, a cause of death for the 49-year-old is unknown.
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.
News of Green's sudden death on Thursday has sent shockwaves around Australia, with NRL legend Cameron Smith leading the tributes to the 49-year-old.
“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.”
Veteran rugby league caller and broadcaster Ray Hadley said: “I’m just absolutely stunned, Paul Green has passed away tragically. Just terrible, absolutely terrible.”
Green's death has seen tributes pouring in across social media from NRL clubs, players, former teammates and rugby league fans who have all been 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
Such a sad day for rugby league today, Rest In Peace to the great man and former Cronulla shark great Paul Green❤️ Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends 🙏🏽
— ronaldo_Mulitalo (@MulitaloRonaldo) August 11, 2022
Can’t believe the Paul Green news this morning. Achieved it all as a player and coach still had so much to give, taken way to soon. Thoughts and prayers with family and friends. Makes you realise to take nothing for granted. RIP 🕊
— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) 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
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
Paul Green showed no signs of ill health at recent function
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.
He is survived by wife Amanda and children Emerson and Jed.
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