Wife's moving tribute to Paul Green as rugby league says goodbye to a legend
The rugby league community said goodbye to a legend on Tuesday, as Paul Green was laid to rest at a lengthy memorial service, fitting of his long-stretching legacy in life and the footballing world.
Green was honoured by other family and friends in a ceremony at Kougari Oval, in his home town of Wynnum.
His wife Amanda revealed how the pair met at the Mad Cow in the late 90s, after Green had signed with the Cowboys as a player.
READ MORE: Langer's stinging shot at Broncos amid 'sad' spiral
READ MORE: Rising Brooks heir to quit in major Tigers blow
READ MORE: Dogs boss spills on Josh Reynolds reunion talks
"We connected instantly - I knew from that moment that there was something special about this man," she said.
"He was engaging, intelligent, cheeky, and so much fun."
The pair had shared 15 years of marriage together.
"He truly was the most amazing husband, who I'm going to miss dearly. We had the deepest love, and the happiest marriage. He always made me feel truly supported and completely and utterly loved," she said.
"All of life's challenges, we navigated together."
Paul Green's wife, Amanda, speaks at his memorial service alongside their children, Emerson and Jed. Getty
Amanda spoke with their children Emerson and Jed at her side, who each spoke as well before Green's close friend Mark Beitz delivered the eulogy.
He, along with Jamie Fitzpatrick, Andrew Gee, Rick Green, Craig Greenhill and Danny Grimley, served as pallbearers.
Rick Green, Lisa Miller and Peta Nash gave family tributes before BMD group CEO Mick Power gave a lengthy tribute to the man he helped convince the Cowboys to make their head coach.
Green, who would have turned 50 in a fortnight, passed away in July, sparking conversations about male mental health.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Broncos boss Kevin Walters were among the attendees, as were a host of players including several of the men he led to grand final glory in 2015.
The service lasted nearly three hours, before his coffin was carried out to an acoustic version of 'Simply the Best', the iconic song that was so closely associated with rugby league in the 1990s.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Paul Green's life in pictures: From Sharks prodigy to premiership-winning coach
