Paul Green farewelled
NRL legend Paul Green has been farewelled in an emotional service in Queensland following his devastating death.
The legendary coach and former player was just 49 when he was found dead at his home in Brisbane on August 11.
More than 700 people attended the service at Kougari Oval, the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls’ home ground, including rugby league greats Allan Langer, Andrew Gee, Shane Webcke, Ben Ikin and Jason Taumalolo.
John Lang, Steve Renouf, Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri, Todd Payten, Neil Henry, Brad Thorn, Kevin Walters, Brad Fittler, Trent Robinson and Bryan Fletcher were also in attendance.
Paul Green’s wife Amanda delivered a heartfelt speech speaking of when the pair met and their love for one another.
“Paul and I met at the Mad Cow in Townsville, an establishment of many relationships,” she said.
“The day Paul proposed he said to me you better strapped yourself because it’s going to be one hell of a ride, and that it was.
“We had the deepest love and he made me feel deeply loved … we’ve always been a team.
“As heartbroken as I am today, I’ve loved every moment with Paul. I loved you yesterday, I love you today and I will love you tomorrow.”
Their daughter Emerson then got up and delivered a heart-warming speech saying she will cherish their memories forever.
“He always knew what to say and when to say it. He would always tell you it doesn’t matter what people think of you,” she said.
“He knew how to bust a move and liked to think he had an amazing voice. If there was music on, I could always count on Dad dragging me onto a dancefloor.
“He taught me to be the best version of myself. I will cherish our memories forever and will continue to do you proud.
“I was always your little angel, but now you are mine.”
Jed also said a few words, thanking his dad for being the “best dad ever”.
“Thanks for being the best dad ever. You were so silly sometimes and that you made the best dad,” he said.
“I am going to miss you so much.”
Paul’s family announced a few weeks after his death that they donated his brain to science.
The Australian Sports Brain Bank said Paul’s brain will help aid research into concussion-related condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - a common injury amongst NRL players due to the nature of the game.
"In memory of our beloved Paul, we ask that you support the pioneering work of the Australian Sports Brain Bank,” their post read.
"Paul was known for always looking out for others. We are proud that part of his legacy will be looking out for the brain health of all others involved in the game that he loved.
"Amanda, Emerson and Jed."
Paul had an incredible NRL career, playing 162 first grade matches between 1994-2004 and winning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1995 as the game's best and fairest.
He played for several different clubs including Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos.
Green eventually swapped his playing boots to coaching ones as he took on the North Queensland Cowboys from 2014-2020.
If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au.
Images: Twitter