representative halfback – Michmutters
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Sports

Paul Green death, age, Cowboys coach death, Jason Taumalolo, how did Paul Green die?, Todd Payten, player reaction

Cowboys skipper Jason Taumalolo said there were “no words” to express what he and his teammates were feeling in the wake of Paul Green’s shock death.

The rugby league legend passed away at his Brisbane home on Thursday and tributes have since flooded in for the former North Queensland coach.

Green led the Cowboys to premiership victory in 2015, with Jason Taumalolo starting at lockout, having been coached by the former representative halfback from 2014 to 2020.

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Taumalolo was the only player to take the field on Saturday that was a part of the 2015 grand final team, giving an emotional plea for people to speak out no matter “how big or small the problem is”.

“It has been a big few days given what has happened, no real words really to express what has happened over the last few days,” Taumalolo said in the post-match press conference.

“How it has affected people in the rugby league community, and families, I can’t imagine what Amanda and the kids are going through right now.

“Everyone should have someone to talk to, regardless of how big or small the problem is, no one should have to carry around that pressure with them.

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Fletch lauds Green’s Roosters influence | 03:04

“We have a tight-knit group and I know rugby league teams have their own little groups, I just hope that if anyone is going through something they have someone to talk to about any problems.”

Taumalolo went on to say the loss of their former coach “shocked and rattled” the playing group after the club’s 32-18 loss to the Roosters.

“I think everyone copes with loss and grief differently and yeah, I am not sure about any of the other boys but everyone is affected differently,”

“I’d like to think we are a tight-knit group and we are able to talk to each other whether we are going through a tough time or something really difficult.

“But again, I think just what has happened has really shocked and rattled most of us and it is going to take some time to get over it.”

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Emotional Parker speaks about Green | 03:13

Cowboys coach Todd Payten echoed Taumalolo’s sentiment, revealing NRL powerbrokers have provided the club with necessary resources to deal with the shock loss.

“The club and the league have been great with the resources they have provided us as a group,” Payten said.

“It is my job to make sure that we keep an eye out for each other, that everyone feels comfortable that they can go and see me or someone within the club to get some help.”

During the Cowboys and Roosters clash, both teams wore black armbands to remember Green, who had a lasting impact on both clubs.

Green was assistant to Trent Robinson in 2013, his first year at the helm of the Tricolours club — and in that year they won the premiership.

Green also played 35 games for the Cowboys and 20 for the Roosters during his glittering 162-game playing career.

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OBITUARY: 167cm great who became a giant and the gamble that set him up for glory

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‘HAD TOO MUCH TO OFFER’: Bennett reveals Dolphins’ talks with Green in tribute

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Categories
Sports

Paul Green death, updates, reaction, Peter V’landys interview, North Queensland Cowboys, tribute

Broncos coach and Kevin Walters have pleaded for the NRL to increase its mental health support in the wake of the shock death of Paul Green.

The representative halfback and legendary Cowboys coach died at his Brisbane home on Thursday, leaving the entire rugby league community in mourning.

Queensland police issued a statement after Green’s death and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

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‘He’s an elite few’ – Meninga on Green | 03:49

PAUL GREEN NEWS

OBITUARY: 167cm great who became a giant and the gamble that set him up for glory

‘FUNNY, CARING’: Legends’ emotional tribute to ‘wonderful friend’ Green

‘HAD TOO MUCH TO OFFER’: Bennett reveals Dolphins’ talks with Green in tribute

“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.”

Walters, who were Queensland teammates, reflected on his 30-year relationship with the premiership-winning coach and called on the NRL to do more to support players, coaches and support staff.

“It’s very sad news,” Walters said on Friday morning.

“I was fortunate enough to play Origin football with ‘Greeny’ and had many battles against him during his days at the Sharks and Cowboys.

My feelings go out to his family, friends and everyone involved with Paul. It’s just so sad.

“It’s important we check on each other each day – particularly with the mental health side of things.

“It’s something I believe the NRL needs to put more focus on, particularly around our players, coaches and support staff. Everyone that’s involved in the game.

“We need to make sure there’s someone there for you if you want to reach out.”

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys earlier delivered a heartfelt plea to the NRL world in the wake of Green’s death.

Some of the 49-year-old former teammates took the opportunity to share anecdotes, which spoke to his character — both on and off the field.

V’landys did similar in paying tribute to Green on 2GB Radiuson Friday morning but also wanted to send a strong message in the wake of the tragedy.

“[It is] extremely sad. We were devastated yesterday when we heard the news,” V’landys said.

“It just shows you how fragile life is and that we should take care of each other. If there’s a message here is if people self-doubt themselves or have problems, it is normal human reaction. Speak about it, talk about it.

Fletch lauds Green’s Roosters influence | 03:04

“We all go through doubting ourselves, we all go through some terrible times but it doesn’t hurt to talk to somebody about it and this is a classic example. If anything comes out of this, which is one of the saddest things I’ve been involved in rugby league, it is that people do reach out if they have troubles.”

V’landys described Green as a “champion” on and off the field, with a “heart bigger than himself”.

“Paul was a very intelligent person, always passionate, witty, happy-go-lucky and he was the last person in the world you would expect to have these troubles,” he said.

“But as I said, we all go through this, we all have self-doubt. Look, I remember Paul as a player, he was a brilliant player and he was a great coach. Who could forget the 2015 premiership that he won and took them again to the semi-finals in 2017.

“He was a champion in his field. He was short in stature but had a heart bigger than himself and was able to go to the elite level of the game. But just as important, he was a great father and a husband, we are just in complete and utter shock.”

‘He just wanted to help people’ – Tallis | 01:35

V’landys urged the rugby league community to get behind the Gotcha4Life charity to honor Green’s memory while also encouraging anyone who is struggling to speak up.

“I think you’d be lying if you didn’t say that at times you feel down and have self-doubt because you do and I do,” he said.

“People think that I’m as strong as a wall but at times you’re human and doubt yourself, you lack self-esteem and confidence. We all go through that. But I talk about it to people.

“I’m not embarrassed to talk about it. When you’re feeling down, you have to let those emotions out. It can happen to anyone. Don’t be proud because you have people who love you and should reach out.

“I think we need to support Gotcha4Life… that will go well for the memory of Paul Green.”

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