The Former Origin Greats, and the wider rugby league community in Queensland and around the world were united in their grief as former Maroons halfback and coach, FOG No.113 Paul Green was farewelled and laid to rest in Brisbane.
Paul tragically took his own life on August 11, leaving behind a devastated family, and distraught friends and colleagues, all still trying to make sense of the loss of the 49-year-old as they turned out in force to honour him at his memorial at Kougari Oval.
Naturally, given Paul’s long and distinguished rugby league career, the football community was out in force, led by a long list of FOGs who came to pay tribute to the remarkable life and career of one of their own – including his great mates Andrew Gee and Craig Greenhill, who acted as pallbearers.
There were many moving tributes to his wonderful life from family and friends, most notably from wife Amanda, daughter Emerson and son Jed, who all spoke beautifully and bravely through immense heartbreak about their love for their husband and father.
While the rugby league community mourns the loss of a wonderfully talented player and coach, the Green family have lost so much more.
Paul joins FOG No.1 Arthur Beetson, No.17 Ross Henrick, No.39 Terry Butler, No.44 Peter Jackson and our founding Chairman, Dick “Tosser” Turner, as the members of the Former Origin Greats family who have now sadly passed away.
Like them, Paul will never be forgotten, nor his contribution to Queensland and the game he loved.
Everyone at the Former Origin Greats send our love and support to the Green family. May Paul rest in peace.
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