Roosters on song early versus Cowboys at the SCG as both NRL clubs pay tribute to Paul Green

Roosters on song early versus Cowboys in emotional scenes at the SCG as both NRL clubs pay tribute to the late Paul Green

  • Trent Robinson’s Roosters surged to a 10-0 lead in first half versus Cowboys
  • North Queensland responded late in the first stanza with try to Murray Taulagi 
  • Both NRL clubs paid their respects to Paul Green in stirring scenes at the SCG
  • Green, 49, died suddenly on Thursday, had ties to both clubs across his career

The Roosters started all guns blazing versus the Cowboys on Saturday afternoon at the Sydney Cricket Ground as they continue to build momentum before the semi-finals.

In moving scenes pre-game, both NRL squads paid their respects to Paul Green, who died suddenly this week in Brisbane.

Green, 49, guided North Queensland to their first – and only – NRL premiership in 2015, with his shock passing rocking the sport. 

Paul Green was remembered in a pre-game tribute at the SCG on Saturday when the Roosters tackled the Cowboys

The Cowboys in a pre-game huddle as they remember former club coach Paul Green

The Cowboys in a pre-game huddle as they remember former club coach Paul Green

Roosters players observe a minute silence following the passing of former Roosters player Paul Green this week

Roosters players observe a minute silence following the passing of former Roosters player Paul Green this week

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou showcased his acrobatic skills to score a crucial try late in the first half

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou showcased his acrobatic skills to score a crucial try late in the first half

He also played for the Roosters in 2001 and 2002 and then coached the Tricolours under-20s team in 2013, before helping Trent Robinson land the title in his first season in charge. 

Gun Chooks winger Joseph Suaalii crossed in just the third minute following a double pump from Victor Radley and prop Matt Lodge then found the stripe after running onto a crisp ball from Nat Butcher.

The Cowboys responded before halftime with a four pointer from winger Murray Taualgi, with Val Holmes nailing the conversion – only to see the hosts wrestle back control with a late effort from Daniel Tupou which saw a 14-6 lead at the break.

Pre-game, Cowboys coach Todd Payten said his team will look to honour Green by performing as a unit.

Joseph Manu of the Roosters (left) is tackled by Chad Townsend of the Cowboys

Joseph Manu of the Roosters (left) is tackled by Chad Townsend of the Cowboys

Gun winger Joseph Suaalii gave the Tricolours the perfect start in just the third minute

Gun winger Joseph Suaalii gave the Tricolours the perfect start in just the third minute

Prop Matt Lodge then doubled the Roosters lead in the 14th minute at the SCG

Prop Matt Lodge then doubled the Roosters lead in the 14th minute at the SCG

‘We need to start well and try and limit their threats,’ he said.

‘Teddy (James Tedesco) is always a danger, we need to on red-alert for him.

‘We are feeling for the Green family and the guys are keen to play well.’ 

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