'Shocked and rattled': Taumalolo reveals impact of Green's passing
- Author
- Timestamp
Cowboys superstar Jason Taumalolo paid tribute to former coach Paul Green for making him a better player and urged anyone struggling with mental health issues to seek help.
An emotional Taumalolo spoke after Saturday’s 32-18 loss to Sydney Roosters about how Green’s death at the age of 49 has rocked the club he coached for seven years, leaving players “shocked and rattled”.
“It has been a big few days, given what has happened,” the North Queensland captain said.
Taumalolo: Speak up and have someone to talk to
“There are no real words, really, to express what has happened over the last few days and how it has affected people in the rugby league community and families.
“I can’t imagine what Amanda [Green’s wife] and the kids are going through right now.
“Everyone should have someone to talk to; regardless of how big or small the problem is, no one should have to carry around that sort of pressure with them.”
Teams pay respect to Paul Green
Green had an impact on both clubs, having played for the Cowboys in 1999 and 2000 before joining the Roosters in 2001 and 2002.
He joined Trent Robinson’s coaching staff in his first year in charge of the Roosters, helping to steer the club to a premiership in 2013, before returning to Townsville as head coach the following season.
A number of players and staff at North Queensland were involved in the club’s historic 2015 premiership win under Green and had remained close with him after his departure in 2020.
“What has happened has really shocked and rattled most of us and it is going to take some time to get over it,” Taumalolo said.
“I think everyone copes with loss and grief differently …. I am not sure about any of the other boys, but everyone is affected differently.”
“I’d like to think we are a tight-knit group that we are able to talk to each other, whether we are going through a tough time or something really difficult.
“I just hope that if anyone is going through something that they have someone to talk to about any problems.”
Asked if any particular memory of Green stood out for him, Taumalolo mentioned how the coach had made him carry tractor tyres at pre-season training.
“I had to work so that sticks in my mind,” he said. “Paul has helped me a lot in trying to establish my career, and my thoughts go out to Amanda and the kids right now.”
North Queensland coach Todd Payten said he would talk with his senior players about how to help the squad cope with their grief while preparing for next Friday night’s match against the Warriors.
“The club and the league have been great with the resources they have provided us as a group,” Payten said.
“It is a tough one, Jase has just touched on how everyone is affected differently.
“It is my job to make sure that we keep an eye out for each other, that everyone feels comfortable that they can come and see me or someone within the club to get some help.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
