Australia rugby league coach and former player Paul Green has died aged 49.<\/span><\/p>\n Green guided North Queensland Cowboys to their first National Rugby League (NRL) Premiership title in 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n He also coached the Queensland side in the State of Origin series in 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n As a player, he made 162 appearances across five different clubs during a 10-year career, before retiring in 2004.<\/span><\/p>\n Queensland Police said there were “no suspicious circumstances” around Green’s death and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.<\/span><\/p>\n Green’s family said they are “devastated” by his loss.<\/span><\/p>\n “We cannot find the words that would come close to expressing our feeling,” they added in a statement. “However we would like to extend our thanks to those who have reached out to us with their love and support. <\/span><\/p>\n “Paul was loved by so many and we know that this news will generate immense interest. However, at this time we ask for privacy.”<\/span><\/p>\n Australia Rugby League commission chief Peter V’landys paid a glowing tribute to Green and praised his “brilliant” abilities as a coach and player.<\/span><\/p>\n “Paul became one of the few to make a very successful transition into coaching,” said V’landys.<\/span><\/p>\n “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.”<\/span><\/p>\n Green, who was born in Brisbane, broke a number of records during his six-year spell as Cowboys coach, including having led the side to their best ever defensive campaign in 2016.<\/span><\/p>\n He left the Cowboys in 2020 following a club-record 87 wins in 167 games.<\/span><\/p>\n Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay credits Green with having reinvented the club.<\/span><\/p>\n “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,” said Ramsay.<\/span><\/p>\n “We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”<\/span><\/p>\n
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