Paul Green leaves role as Queensland coach

Correspondent

Queensland have begun the search for a third coach in two years after Paul Green stepped down less than a year into the job.

The former North Queensland Cowboys boss was appointed as Wayne Bennett’s successor ahead of the 2021 season but could not prevent New South Wales retaining their State of Origin title.

Green said it was in the best interests for both parties for him to move on given he was likely to seek a return to head coaching role in the NRL and Queensland’s stated desire to make a long-term appointment “to provide greater stability”.

Green said: “After much consultation and discussion post the Origin series, both the QRL and I have decided to move in different directions.

“The basis for this is simple, the QRL wants to ensure that they have certainty around the Origin coach not wanting to pursue an NRL head coach job, and whilst I could give them that certainty for the 2021 series, I cannot guarantee that this would be the case in the future.

“We all understand the dynamics and volatility around NRL club head coach roles and ultimately, that is where I see myself when the right opportunity opens up.

“I agree with the QRL’s desire for stability in the Origin coach job and to that end, I felt compelled to be transparent with my broader plans and thus this decision. I have loved every minute of this job as it is every Queenslanders dream to coach this team.

“Whilst we didn’t win the 2021 series, I feel that the future is very bright for the Queensland team and wish them and the new coach the very best for 2022 and beyond.”

Queensland Rugby League chair Bruce Hatcher said: “We understand and respect Paul’s ambitions to return to NRL coaching at some point and we wish him every bit of success in the future.”

Hatcher said a board-appointed committee continued to work through the process of appointing a new Maroons coach.

NRL Paul Green

Related Articles