Paul Green has been confirmed as Queensland’s State of Origin coach with the former North Queensland mentor saying he’s humbled to be given the opportunity after last year’s “special” series victory.
The 2015 NRL premiership-winning coach, who was let go by the Cowboys midway through last season, will replace Wayne Bennett for this year’s Origin series.
Bennett included 12 uncapped players in his 21-man squad in 2020 and defied the inexperience to claim a 2-1 series victory.
“I think last year’s series was special for all Queenslanders and supporters,” Green said.
“Some of the young guys who put their hands up during that series … it was great to see them get the win.
“In saying that too, it was good to see players like Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh Papalii embrace their leadership positions.”
Green played seven games for Queensland before entering the coaching domain and notching back-to-back Queensland Cup wins with Wynnum Manly and a maiden NRL title for the Townsville-based Cowboys.
“The Maroons family is immersed in history, and I’m both humbled and privileged to be in this position,” Green said.
“I think every kid who grows up loving rugby league dreams of one day pulling on the jersey, and while my playing days are well and truly behind me, to get a chance to contribute in a meaningful way as a coach is something that I’m really excited about.”
Green pipped former Maroons fullback Billy Slater for the job after South Sydney coach Bennett opted not to juggle both roles this year.
QRL managing director Robert Moore said Green was the right man to “deliver performances every Queenslander can be proud of”.
“Paul is a passionate Queenslander who has played the game at the highest level and he has a proven track record as a successful NRL coach,” Moore said.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
All fair comments Rob. I just reckon in Origin having a ' tall poppy' like a Meninga, a Bennett or Slater is a better choice . Greens style actually suits Origin imo so he's not a bad choice though personally would look for a ' personality. If Smith ever becomes available he can have the job for life.
Rob
Guest
Lost a lot of love for Green with the retention of old players and stale game structures at the expense of losing young talent but I can’t fault his coaching ability to much. In regards motivation, I think 2 x nines trophies, a resilient GF win, a WCC and the 2017 finals run with a injury ravaged squad would suggest his ability to motivate is quite good? I think he just lost the dressing room after 5 years in the Cowboys job and both he and the club needed a fresh start. The protracted negotiations around resigning or coaching the Broncos in 2018 didn’t exactly help his commitment from players going forward IMO.
Malo
Guest
It’s an easy and overpaid gig. Heck they give the job to Freddy, who just has a bit of fun and gets paid a motza.
Rob
Guest
Was it’s Green’s game plan or the game plan for JT? Green’s failure at the Cowboys came from the failure to tap senior players on the shoulder and management of player fitness. Not much luck losing Morgan and Taumalolo for vital periods but that’s not to defend his lack of foresight around team talent progression.
Rob
Guest
Green can definitely coach Rugby League in regards to structure and tactics IMO. He’s only lacking in skill development, salary cap management and players welfare. As a Rep coach players don’t particularly need those 3 aspects so I can’t see him being a bad choice. He’s a tweaking, finishing, polisher. Give him the cattle and he’s good to go.
Mo
Guest
Why couldn't Neil Henry get a shot? Has been there before (06-09, 20), understands the setup and game plans and a far better coach then boring Greeny, and I am a cowboys supporter.
matth
Roar Guru
I doubt many coaches would have pulled off that victory last year. Green cannot be Bennett, but then Bennett is not available.
The Key is the Lock
Guest
Who’s won the most premierships as a coach Fittler or Green ?
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Green is better than Walters, but no as good as Bennett. There is the dilemma.
Tony
Roar Guru
All the other mergers have gone well :laughing:
Nat
Roar Guru
True. From what I've seen he would make a good tactical/skills coach. His ability to relate and man-manage is unproven as yet.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Yeah,quite possible and would be a HUGE coup for that club.
Hard knocks
Roar Rookie
God help us. I've said before and will say again - Thurston made Green look like he could coach. No club had a more boring game plan after Thurston retired than NQC and the club's inability to get even the basics right like tackling and passing resulted in successive near-bottom of the table finishes. Player calibre may provide cover for Green but that's not a given.
Walter Black
Guest
Yeah but I never believed them. It took a future immortal in JT to make Green look good at the Cowboys and we all know what happened afterwards. I think that taking a wild bet on Billy would have been a better choice than Green.
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Hahahaha.....c’mon the Dolphins.
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
I agree G Len N. I started typing a reply in support, but you've said it best. Slater needs to serve as an assistant first, and even then I'm not sure he's at that level yet.
Rellum
Roar Guru
The two worst bids combined to form...the worst bid
Succhi
Roar Rookie
A smart short term notice. Greenie wants to coach again the NRL, and a couple of current coaches are likely to go, and probably around the SOO time. My money says he’ll be coaching the Sharks before the end of the year.
Nat
Roar Guru
GOMT... :happy: (Modern)
Rellum
Roar Guru
Come on Nat. He is not the GOAT.