Former National Rugby League player and Queensland State of Origin coach Paul Green passed away at his home on Thursday morning. He was 49 years old. Read on to know what happened to Paul Green, how did he die, and the cause of his sudden death.
Green carved his name into the National Rugby League history when he coached the Cowboys to a maiden NRL premiership in 2015 under incredible circumstances.
His friends, family members, and the rugby league community are left shocked and devastated upon his untimely demise. Everyone is remembering the guy as a legend and soft-hearted person who made times feel good while he was around.
How did Paul Green Die?
Paul Green died at his Brisbane home in the morning on Thursday, August 11, 2024. The Green family has released a statement announcing his untimely demise in the afternoon. The statement reads:
“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 feelings, 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.”
What was the cause of Paul Green’s death?
Paul Green died by suicide. It has been confirmed that he took his own life.
A Queensland police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to a Wynnum residence just after 10 am this morning after a 49-year-old was located unresponsive.”
“He was declared deceased by emergency crews a short time later. There are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be prepared for the coroner,” she added.
Green’s friends are left shocked by the tragic news. They revealed that Green was in perfect health and up to date with health checks before his death. The former rugby league coach had flown down to Sydney just last weekend for the Cronulla Sharks reunion.
Paul Green had a Successful Rugby League Career as a Player & Coach
Paul Gregory Green was born on September 12, 1972, in Brisbane, Queensland. He was an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. He was most recently the head coach of Queensland in the State of Origin series.
Green played in the rugby league in the 1990s and 2000s. He played for Cronulla-Sutherland, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, and the Brisbane Broncos. Green won the Rothmans Medal in 1995.
The highlight of Green’s coaching career came when he guided the North Queensland club Cowboys to their first premiership in 2015. Green was seen cheering louder than anyone else at the packed ANZ stadium in Sydney as Feldt scored in the winning moment.
Green left the Cowboys in 2020. He was appointed coach of the Maroons in 2021 but lost that year’s series to NSW 2-1.
He quit his role at the end of the series and Billy Slater replaced him. He was set to make his comeback to coaching on Wayne Bennett’s staff in the Dolphin’s inaugural season next year.
Tributes Continue to Pour for Paul Green
Ever since the news of Paul Green’s sudden demise emerged, social media is full of fans, friends, and the rugby league community paying tributes to the gone legend.
Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay paid tribute to Green’s glorious work with the club and the impact he left. “Paul first came to our club as a player in the late 90s and was the club’s first Origin representative, but his lasting legacy emanated from his seven-season tenure as head coach of the North Queensland Cowboys,” said Ramsay.
“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,” he added.
“We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history,” he concluded.
Playmaker Michael Morgan who announced his retirement from rugby league last year shared an emotional tribute to Green on Queensland radio. He said the following:
“He was more than influential, he helped me carve out the career that I did have,” Morgan said on The Rush Hour with Leisel, Liam and Dobbo.”
“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.”
Green’s former teammate at Cronulla, Martin Lang, also paid tribute to his friend on Twitter.
“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,” his tweet reads.
Paul Green is survived by his wife Amanda and children Emerson and Jed. Our heart goes out to his family in these tough times. May God let the departed soul rest in peace and grant strength to his family.
this article originally posted on Bareilly College.org
