The NRL community is in shock after premiership-winning coach Paul Green died at the age of 49.
Green played 162 first grade matches between 1994-2004, winning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1995 as the game’s best and fairest. He played State of Origin for Queensland and represented Super League’s Australian team in 1997.
Turning to coaching after his retirement, he was in charge of North Queensland from 2014-2020, leading the club to its first ever premiership in 2015.
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Green coached Queensland in last year’s State of Origin series.
“We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco, Paul Green,” the Brisbane club said in a social media post.
“A legend on and off the field gone far too soon.”
He made his first grade debut for Cronulla in 1994, and immediately made his mark at halfback.
“Green had a magnificent first year in the Winfield Cup, and by season’s end was being spoken of in most quarters as Allan Langer’s likely successor as the Queensland State of Origin halfback,” David Middleton wrote in his 1994 yearbook.
“He finished second in the Norwich Rising Star voting and third in the Rothmans Medal, and impressed all with his courage, flair and skill.
“Perhaps if one moment best captured his season, it was a try scored against St George on a Friday night at Kogarah, when he ran from a scrumbase deep inside his own quarter, and when met by the cover defence, which included Saints captain Mark Coyne, a renowned defender, he simply stopped, changed tack, and sped away, leaving his rivals stumbling in his wake.”
Former teammate Martin Lang, who played alongside Green at the Sharks, paid tribute to his friend on social media.
“This is so sad,” he wrote.
“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.”
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