The rugby league community pays tribute to Paul Green, who sadly passed away on Thursday, August 11, aged 49.
Cronulla CEO Dino Mezzatesta issued a statement around the tragic and sudden passing of the former Sharks player.
“Many of the Great Whites [former players] have made contact with the club today expressing their sadness and shock, it has demonstrated on a number of levels how Paul was regarded and respected by his peers but also by many from our club. Our thoughts and prayers at this extremely difficult time are with his family, friends and also his many former teammates, not only those he played with at Sharks, but also from the other clubs where he played and coached,” Mezzatesta said.
Cowboys Chairman Lewis Ramsay paid tribute to Paul’s decorated history with the Cowboys and his pivotal impact on the club.
“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. We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”
The Roosters said the club was deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing.
Green, Rooster #998, played 20 games for the Club between 2001 and 2002 as a halfback, and was a member of the Club's 2002 Premiership winning squad. A popular member of the squad, Green was an attendee at the Club's 20th-anniversary celebrations in April and kept a close friendship with many peers.
Parramatta issued a statement saying the club was "deeply saddened by the passing of Eel #646 Paul Green. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues for their loss. Rest in Peace to a great man, player & coach."
Brisbane also issued a statement regarding the former Bronco.
"We are all deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco Paul Green," the club said. "He will always be known as a legend on and off the rugby league field with a deep passion for and knowledge of the game – he is gone far too soon. The entire Brisbane Broncos organisation pass on our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family and friends."
Titans coach Justin Holbrook extended his condolences to Green's family and friends after the pair briefly spent a year together at the Tricolours in 2002.
"It's horrible news. I've just found out after training and obviously I want to send my condolences to his family," Holbrook said.
"He was a tenacious little halfback and I think he was a great competitor and obviously that was evident as a coach as well. You could see how competitive he was and obviously won a comp with the Cowboys, so I'm sure he'll be sadly missed more than anywhere up in Townsville at the moment.
"Sadly, it's not good news for the game of rugby league and for the Green family."
