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Tributes are pouring in for Paul Green - who coached the North Queensland Cowboys to their first NRL premiership - following his sudden death at the age of 49.
A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman has told Tropic Now Green was declared deceased at his Brisbane home this morning.
“Police were called initially to a Wynnum residence just after 10-AM this morning where they located a male in his 40s unresponsive,” she said.
“He was declared deceased on scene.”
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Police have confirmed his death is not suspicious.
“There are no suspicious circumstances,” a spokesperson said.
“A report will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Green is most renowned for guiding the North Queensland Cowboys to their first NRL Grand Final win in 2015 against the Brisbane Broncos, which has gone down as one of the most riveting grand finals in NRL history.
He was still coaching the team when they made it to another grand final two years later.
“Today the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys mourn the loss of Premiership winning Head Coach and Cowboy Player #92, Paul Green,” the Cowboys said in a statement.
"Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to Amanda, their children and the extended Green family, who are in the thoughts of our entire club.”
Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay recognised Green’s decorated history.
“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.
“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.
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Green was appointed coach of the Queensland State or Origin side last year, a series the Maroons lost to New South Wales 2-1.
He quit that role and was replaced by Billy Slater.
Most recently, Green was signed up to make his comeback to coaching with new NRL team the Redcliffe Dolphins, under head coach Wayne Bennett.
In earlier years, Green played in the NRL for a decade with stints at the North Queensland Cowboys, Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos.
Green also represented his country in two tests during the 1990s and played seven State of Origin matches for Queensland.
The Brisbane Broncos are among those to pay tribute to one of their former players.
“We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco, Paul Green,” they said in a statement.
“A legend on and off the field, gone far too soon.”
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM said Green was both a brilliant player and coach.
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“Paul was rewarded with the Rothmans Medal in 1995," he said.
“As a coach he led the North Queensland Cowboys to one of the most famous Grand Final victories of all time.
“He represented Queensland and Australia as a player, and only last year coached the Maroons in the State of Origin series.
“I had the pleasure of sitting on the NRL Competition Committee and found Paul to be a passionate, smart and witty individual.
“Our condolences go to his family and to his many friends.”
Paul Green is survived by his wife Amanda and two children, Jed and Emerson.
Main points
- Paul Green was declared deceased at his Brisbane home this morning. He was 49
- He's most renowned for coaching the NQ Cowboys to their first ever NRL Grand Final victory
- Green is being remembered for his skill as a player and coach and for his witty intelligence
