Mat Rogers pays tribute to Cronulla teammate Paul Green – after losing his dad Steve far too soon
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Mat Rogers pays tribute to his beloved Cronulla Sharks teammate Paul Green after also losing his dad far too soon in tragic circumstances
- Former NRL star Mat Rogers is in disbelief Paul Green died suddenly on Thursday
- Pair played together at Cronulla for three seasons and for Queensland in Origin
- Spent last weekend in Sydney playing golf & attending a NRL game at Shark Park
- Rogers, 46, labelled Green a ‘real competitor who never took a backward step’
- If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
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Dual international Mat Rogers has paid tribute to his former Sharks teammate Paul Green after also losing his father in tragic circumstances.
Rogers, 46, played alongside Green at Cronulla from 1995-1997 as well as for Queensland in a handful of State of Origin series.
The classy winger, who also carved out an impressive rugby union career with the Wallabies before returning to the greatest game of all with the Gold Coast Titans, remains in disbelief about Green dying suddenly on Thursday at his Brisbane home.
Rogers and Green were together last weekend in Sydney, playing a round of golf on Friday before attending a past players reunion at Shark Park, where Craig Fitzgibbons’ side beat St George Illawarra in the derby.
‘We spent some time together, he (Green) was telling me about the new boat he’d just bought for the family and I was looking forward to going for a ride,’ a shattered Rogers said.
Dual international Mat Rogers has paid tribute to his former Sharks teammate Paul Green after also losing his father in tragic circumstances
Rogers’ father Steve – arguably Cronulla’s greatest ever player – died in 2006 after drinking alcohol while on anti-depressants – his death was later ruled an accident
‘I can’t believe he’s gone…it makes me appreciate that time I got to spend with him.’
Rogers labelled Green, 49, an ‘incredible competitor who never took a backward step’. He often sounded out the premiership-winning coach with the Cowboys for advice after recently establishing his own player management business.
It comes after Rogers’ father Steve – arguably Cronulla’s greatest ever player – died in 2006.
His death was ruled accidental by the NSW state coroner after he appeared to reach out for help in his final moments.
Mobile phone records revealed the last number the former star centre rang was 888.
The Rogers family believes he was trying to call 000, but in his disoriented state hit eight, above zero on his phone.
Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston is reeling after the death of former coach and mentor Paul Green on Thursday
Green – aged just 49 – leaves behind his wife Amanda and two children, Jed and Emerson
‘Sludge’ also wasn’t wearing his reading glasses.
He was later found by his brother-in-law Ian Hipwell with Rogers’ mobile phone nearby.
Green’s passing has rocked the rugby league community.
He leaves behind his wife Amanda and two children, Jed and Emerson.
It has since been confirmed Green took his own life and was said to be struggling with personal demons.
The family sold their Townsville home for $1.85 million in February last year, and Green described the move as ‘tough on the family.’
Green was linked to an NRL return with Wayne Bennett Dolphins, who enter the competition next season, as an assistant coach.
For help in a crisis, call 000. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.