Johnathan Thurston pulls out of commentary duty after Paul Green’s death

Devastated Johnathan Thurston pulls out of commentary duty for Nine’s coverage of Penrith v Storm after Paul Green’s shock death – as stars observe a minute’s silence in poignant tribute to Cowboys coach

Johnathan Thurston has pulled out of commentary duty for Penrith v Melbourne with the devastated Cowboys legend reeling from the death of his former coach and mentor Paul Green. 

Green, 49, was found dead at his home in Brisbane this morning, leaving behind his wife Amanda and children Jed and Emerson. Queensland police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. 

The halfback was closely associated with Cronulla and Brisbane during his playing career, before guiding the Cowboys to their first ever premiership in 2015. He also coached Queensland in Origin last year.

Johnathan Thurston has pulled out of commentary duty for Penrith v Melbourne Storm

The Cowboys legend is reeling after the death of former coach and mentor Paul Green

The Cowboys legend is reeling after the death of former coach and mentor Paul Green

Green helped Thurston deliver North Queensland's first ever premiership back in 2015

Green helped Thurston deliver North Queensland’s first ever premiership back in 2015

North Queensland legend Thurston spent the majority of his playing career desperate to deliver his club their first premiership, and it wasn’t until Green arrived in Townsville that the legendary halfback managed to achieve his career-long dream.

Thurston was expected to be in the commentary box for the game at Bluebet stadium but did not feature on Thursday night, in a move likely to be linked with Green’s death.

Green’s former Origin teammate, Wendell Sailor, said he spoke with a devastated Thurston on the phone hours after Green’s passing. 

Panthers and Storm players paid tribute to Green following his shock death on Thursday

Panthers and Storm players paid tribute to Green following his shock death on Thursday

Panthers players huddle together to observe a minute's silence in a poignant tribute

Panthers players huddle together to observe a minute’s silence in a poignant tribute

Players and fans from both sides behaved impeccably to remember the NRL legend

Players and fans from both sides behaved impeccably to remember the NRL legend

‘I’ve had heaps of phone calls and text messages today and I even called Johnathan Thurston, I said “mate, can you believe it?” he goes “mate, my phone has just been blowing up, I just don’t know what to say.”‘ 

Elsewhere, players from Melbourne and Penrith paid tribute to Green in the first NRL match played in thewake of his death. 

Both sets of players observed a minute’s silence in a poignant tribute at Bluebet Stadium.

Panthers and Storm stars grouped together in separate huddles while spectators impeccably respected the minute’s silence as fans and players remembered the rugby league great.

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