Cronulla Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys pay emotional tribute to Paul Green as the late footy legend’s widow puts on a brave face for NRL clash
Amanda, the widow of Paul Green, watched as her children led off the Cronulla and Cowboys on Thursday night as both clubs paid tribute to the footy great.
Green was found dead at his home in Brisbane on August 11 last year after committing suicide and suffering from an advanced form of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy).
CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that can affect athletes who experience repeated concussions and headbutts during their careers in contact sports such as rugby league, martial arts and American football.
The 49-year-old delivered North Queensland’s only premiership in 2015 and is fondly remembered by the NRL world as a footballing legend.
Green retired as the Cowboys’ coach in 2020, but was still highly regarded in the league and would become an assistant to Wayne Bennett with the Dolphins this year.
The Cronulla Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys paid tribute to Paul Green on Thursday
Green’s widow Amanda was on hand before the NRL match kicked off and watched as her children Jed and Emerson led the teams out
Players and fans from both sides paid their respects to the legendary footballer
As a player, he played at halfback for the Sharks from 1994 to 1998, leading them to the 1997 Super League Grand Final.
Green went on to play for the Cowboys, Roosters and Eels in a first-class career that spanned 10 years and ended in 2004, with 162 games and 37 tries to his name.
And before kick-off on Thursday night, both sides came together to pay tribute to the legendary figure.
Green’s two kids – Jed and Emerson – led the teams out before players and fans applauded him at PointsBet Stadium. His widow, Amanda, seemed genuinely touched by the tribute.
The small half played seven State of Origin games for Queensland from 1998 to 2001 and played two games for the Australian Super League team in 1997.
His stellar coaching career began with the Cowboys in 2014 and the following year led the club to their only premiership, a thrilling 17-16 victory over the Brisbane Broncos in extra time.
Green’s widow, Amanda (left), was in attendance as the rugby legend was commemorated
Green passed away last August, leaving behind his two children and a shocked NRL community
The 49-year-old delivered a premiership for the Cowboys and played for the Sharks
Green coached Queensland’s State of Origin team for one series in 2021. When he resigned last September, it seemed certain he would resume his days as an NRL coach.
He was linked to Wests Tigers late last season and would play a role with the Dolphins next year.
Green’s death still hits the NRL hard.
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