NRL Premiership-winning coach Paul Green dies, aged 49
Paul Green celebrates Queensland victory with Christian Welch in 2021
The NRL are mourning the sudden passing of Premiership-winning coach Paul Green, who has died at the age of 49.
Green coached North Queensland Cowboys between 2014-20, leading the club their first ever Premiership in 2015 and then the World Club Challenge the following year.
The Brisbane-born coached Queensland in the State of Origin arena last year.
“Today we are devastated,” Green’s 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.”
Paul Green career in detail
The former half-back or hooker made more than 150 during his playing career between 1993-2004. He played for Easts Tigers, Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels, Brisbane Broncos and the Cowboys.
In the representative arena, Green played seven times for Queensland in Origin. He won two caps for Australia during the Super League era as well as three more appearances for Queensland.
Green went into coaching after retiring as a player. He was assistant coach for the Broncos in their NRL Premiership success in 2006.
He then led Wynnum Manly Seagulls to back-to-back Queensland Cup titles in 2011 and 2012 before returning to the NRL as an assistant coach with the Roosters, where they won the NRL title in 2013.
Green got his first NRL head coaching role with the Cowboys in 2014. They won the Auckland Nines in his first season in charge.
The Cowboys made history in 2015 when they won their first NRL title before clinching the World Club Challenge the following season.
In 2017, the Cowboys finished runners-up in the NRL Grand Final against Melbourne. The Cowboys enjoyed NRL Nines success again in 2020.
Green’s last head coaching role was with Queensland in Origin last year.
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