NRL in mourning after shock death of legendary player, coach Paul Green
Fox League from Fox Sports
August 11th, 2022 12:16 pm
The rugby league world is in mourning after the sudden death of Paul Green at 49 years old.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Green passed away in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning.
The Telegraph reported that Green had not said anything about feeling ill before his sudden passing, with a post-mortem to determine the cause of his death.
Green had a decorated playing career, suiting up for the Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos.
He then made the switch to coaching after he hung up the boots, taking the Cowboys to their first-ever premiership in 2015 before also taking over the Queensland Maroons Origin side.
Former Melbourne Storm and Maroons hooker Cameron Smith called it “shocking news” on SEN Radio.
“A very sad part of the day,” Smith said, reacting to the news alongside Denan Kemp, who was coached by Green in the early stages of his rugby league career.
“It’s certainly rocked myself and Kempy in the studio and everyone in the rugby league world.
“It’s a sad day for everyone involved in the rugby league family and community. We send our best wishes and condolences out to the entire Green family.”
Kemp spent a bit of time learning from Green in the early stages of his career and paid tribute to his ability to turn around Queensland Cup team the Wynnum Seagulls after a challenging start to the season.
“I was fortunate enough, he was my kicking and catching coach when I was coming through at the Broncos and he was also my coach when I was at Wynnum,” Kemp said.
“I had a small amount to do with him but in the time I did, it was actually really interesting the year I was at Wynnum I ended up signing with another club to leave but we had a really tough start to the season. Greeny managed to turn the Wynnum Seagulls around and we won the premiership that year.
“He’s a fighter. It’s a very sad day to see Greeny go like that.”