Paul Green’s sudden death leaves Johnathan Thurston ‘absolutely devastated’

North Queensland Cowboys great Johnathan Thurston flew back home to be with his family after he was left “absolutely devastated” by the news that his former coach, Paul Green, had died aged 49.

On Channel Nine’s coverage of the Panthers-Storm game in Penrith on Thursday night, Thurston, the co-captain and Clive Churchill medalist of Green’s premiership-winning Cowboys side, was absent.

After hearing the news of Green’s death, Cameron Smith said he spent a few hours with Thurston in Sydney on Thursday afternoon before his friend, colleague and former Maroons teammate returned home to be with his family and his beloved North Queensland community.

“[Thurston] was absolutely devastated, as were many of the players and his teammates in that Cowboys outfit led by Paul Green,” Smith said.

“For everyone that was involved with Paul Green and his family, we wish you all the very best.”

Many other Cowboys premiership players posted messages of sadness on social media, including Michael Morgan, John Asiata and Ben Hannant.

A minute’s silence was observed before Thursday’s game at Penrith Stadium and others will be held before every NRL game this round.

Cowboys coach reflects on opportunities Green gave him

North Queensland plays the Roosters in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said the club had to “put our arms around each other” after a difficult 24 hours.

“It’s a good reminder of how fortunate we are to do what we are able to do,” he said.