The NRL is in shock following the death of premiership-winning coach Green, aged 49, who steered the North Queensland Cowboys to its famous grand final triumph in 2015 and played 162 games across five different clubs as a halfback, five-eighth and hooker.

Green died in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning. A post mortem examination will be conducted.

He played seven State of Origins for Queensland and also won the 1995 Rothmans Medal as the league’s best and fairest player that year.

But he will forever be remembered as the man who helped guide North Queensland to their maiden premiership in 2015.

In total, he was in charge of the Cowboys in 167 games with the 2015 title coming in just his second season as head coach.

He left the club in 2020 and took over as Queensland’s State of Origin coach last year.

When he resigned from that job last September, it appeared certain he would resume his days as an NRL coach.

He was linked to Wests Tigers at the end of last season and was expected to take on a role at the Dolphins next year.

Green’s family released a statement on Thursday afternoon saying they were “devastated”.

“We have lost a devoted husband, loving father and wonderful brother and son. We cannot find the words that would come close to expressing our feelings, however we would like to extend our thanks to those who have reached out to us with their love and support.

“Paul was loved by so many and we know that this news will generate immense interest, however at this time we ask for privacy.

“Our family is still trying to understand this tragedy and we request space and time as we come to terms with this loss.”

A shocked Mat Rogers said his former teammate would be remembered as an incredible competitor who never took a backward step.

The dual international said he and Green played golf and then sat next to each other to watch the Sharks beat St George Illawarra on Friday night.

“It was great – we played golf on Friday together and spent time at the reunion together,” Rogers told AAP.

“He was telling me about the new boat he’d just bought for the family and I was looking forward to going for a ride.

“I can’t believe he’s gone … it makes me appreciate that time I got to spend with him.”

Cowboys Chairman Lewis Ramsay paid tribute to Green’s decorated history with the club and his pivotal impact.

“Paul first came to our club as a player in the late 90s and was the club’s first Origin representative, but his lasting legacy emanated from his seven-season tenure as head coach of the North Queensland Cowboys,” he said.

“Paul’s arrival as head coach transformed our club from finals contenders to an immediate premiership force, culminating in the historic 2015 Grand Final victory.

“We will forever remember Paul as one of the greatest contributors in Cowboys history.”

Green’s death will hit the NRL hard.

Beyond those still at North Queensland, he has coached several players across the game who began their careers in Townsville or played for the Maroons last year.

On Thursday night alone Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates and Viliame Kikau were among those due to take to the field just hours after learning of their former coach’s death.

Green was in Sydney only last weekend for the Cronulla ex-players’ reunion, a club where he played 95 games before moving north to the Cowboys.

He was also a part of the Sydney Roosters’ 2002 premiership-winning squad, before finishing his playing days at Parramatta and Brisbane.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said his thoughts were with Green’s family and friends.

“I had the pleasure of sitting on the NRL Competition Committee and found Paul to be a passionate, smart and witty individual. Our condolences go to his family and to his many friends,” he said.

The Roosters and Broncos both passed on their condolences to Green’s family and said they were deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

“The extended Roosters family are deeply saddened to have lost Paul Green, a Rooster for life. Our thoughts are with his family. A Rooster for life. Forever #Rooster998,” the club tweeted.

“We are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of Queenslander and former Bronco, Paul Green,” the Broncos tweeted.

“A legend on and off the field gone far too soon.”

Green is survived by wife Amanda and children Emerson and Jed.