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Emotional moment newsreader Peter Overton goes off script and makes a heartfelt plea to viewers in the wake of footy legend Paul Green’s tragic death
- Paul Green tragically died on Thursday at his Brisbane home at just 49 years old
- Footy star played 162 first grade NRL games and seven State of Origins
- He coached the North Queensland Cowboys to their maiden 2015 Premiership
- Newsreader Peter Overton urged viewers to reach out for mental health support
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Veteran journalist Peter Overton has made a heartfelt plea following a segment on footy star Paul Green’s tragic death.
The 49-year-old NRL premiership-winning coach died at his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, with tributes pouring in from heads of state, and past and present NRL players, along with clubs and officials.
The Nine newsreader went off script following the segment on the 6pm bulletin, urging viewers: ‘If you are struggling with your mental health, please talk to someone’.
Overton continued: ‘Ask ‘are you OK?’ Take a friend for a coffee or a walk. Confide in your GP. Share your feelings with your family. Just talk to someone’.
‘You might be surprised how many people you know have the same struggles. You are not alone.’
The 56-year-old, whose career has spanned three decades with 60 Minutes and Nine News, then reminded viewers of the Lifeline phone number (13 11 14) and urged ‘they’re there to help’.
The NRL world is in mourning after the former Cowboys coach Paul Green (pictured) died on Thursday morning
Newsreader Peter Overturn offered a heartfelt plea to viewers after a segment on Green on Thursday’s evening bulletin (pictured)
Green’s devastated family released a statement on Thursday.
‘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.
‘Our family is still trying to understand this tragedy and we request space and time as we come to terms with this loss.’
Paul Green and wife Amanda are pictured on the red carpet ahead of the Dally M Awards satellite function at Jupiters Casino on September 28, 2015 in Townsville
NRL club North Queensland said their premiership-winning coach was one of the most influential figures in Cowboys history.
‘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,’ club chairman Lewis Ramsay 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.’
A star in his own right as a player, Green notched 162 games across five different clubs as a halfback, five-eighth and hooker while also playing seven State of Origins for Queensland.
Green also won the 1995 Rothmans Medal as the league’s best and fairest player.
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.
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Paul Green and Johnathan Thurston put the North Queensland Cowboys on the map (pictured in 2014)