‘We’re devastated’: Family speaks after the shock death of NRL legend Paul Green

The rugby league world is in mourning after the sudden death of Paul Green at 49 years old in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning.

Green had been in Sydney last weekend for the Cronulla ex-players’ reunion, one of five teams the former Australian and Queensland representative halfback played for during his career.

“Today we are devastated,” Green’s family said in a statement.

“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.”

Queensland police also released a statement on Thursday afternoon.

“Police were called to a Wynnum residence just after 10am this morning after a 49-year-old was located unresponsive,” a Queensland police spokeswoman said.

“He was declared deceased by emergency crews a short time later.

“There are no suspicious circumstances. A report will be prepared for the coroner.”

It was also revealed on Thursday afternoon that Green had an assistant NRL coaching role lined up for next season.

“It will become clear in the next couple of days, Paul Green was going back into coaching next year as an assistant,” rugby league reporter Ben Dobbin told Triple M.

“He was going to get back into it and he had a pathway to get back to coaching first grade again. But he was taking an assistant job and working his way through it again. He leaves behind an enormous legacy. This is a huge loss. This bloke was an absolute superstar on and off the field.”

Green had a decorated playing career which spanned 162 games, 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.

In a playing and coaching career of many highlights, Green’s greatest would be his role in taking North Queensland to its maiden premiership in 2015.

Green first took the helm at the Cowboys in 2014 and saw immediate results as the Cowboys won the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines tournament.

North Queensland carried the pre-season form into the season proper, finishing in fifth spot on the ladder before being eliminated by the Roosters in dramatic fashion in the semi-finals.

The Cowboys improved to third in the 2015 season and this time around went all the way to the title, taking down the Broncos in a golden-point thriller for the ages.

North Queensland got back to the grand final under Green’s watch in 2017 too, even without legendary halfback Johnathan Thurston, but were outclassed by Melbourne.

Last year Thurston revealed the first conversation he had with Green that led to the drought-breaking title triumph in 2015.