I won’t be Wayne
GREEN PLEDGES TO PUT HIS OWN STAMP ON MAROONS
PAUL Green insists he will be his own man and won’t try to mimic Wayne Bennett after being appointed Queensland’s State of Origin coach.
Green has signed a one-series contract to oversee the Maroons’ 2021 campaign, with the Queensland Rugby League holding a one-year option in their favour to retain him if required.
It will be Green’s first gig since he was sacked by the Cowboys midway through last season as North Queensland headed for a third straight bottom-four finish.
The brains behind North Queensland’s 2015 premiership triumph, Green wants to coach in the NRL again, hence the short contract.
In his first interview since securing the role on Wednesday, Green said he would put all of his energy into coaching Queensland on the back of last year’s fairytale series win under Bennett (inset).
“I’m humbled, honoured, excited ... it’s a huge thrill to get this opportunity,” he said.
“I can’t understate the opportunity to coach the Queensland Maroons.
“State of Origin is such a wonderful experience to be a part of so to get the chance to contribute to their success this year, I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
“As a coach, you always hope to one day get a crack at it. State of Origin is the pinnacle, it’s such a tough contest and intense arena, so you can never plan to coach in that environment, but I’m really thankful to get the opportunity now at a time when I can throw myself fully into it.
“I won’t even try to be like Wayne Bennett. That is always fraught with danger.
“Wayne did a superb job last year but I will try and build on what he did last year. It was such a wonderful win and everyone involved will have great memories of it, so I plan to capitalise on that and take it into this year’s series.”
Green, 48, played seven State of Origin games for Queensland from 1999-2001 and also featured in the 1997 Super League series.
He has since built an impressive coaching resume, winning two Intrust Super Cup titles with Wynnum Manly before leading North Queensland to its first NRL title in 2015 and a grand final appearance in 2017.
Green went toe-to-toe with former Queensland coach Kevin Walters for the Brisbane Broncos job last year following the sacking of Anthony Seibold, with Walters securing the role.
Bennett was appointed Maroons coach for last November’s unique end-of-season series, orchestrating a famous underdog victory.
Green was in discussions with the QRL for months about taking on the Origin post for 2021 and clinched the role early this week. There was a late push for Queensland legend Billy Slater, 37, to be considered for the job, but he was not formally interviewed and remains in the QRL’s long-term planning.
Slater could join Green’s support staff as the QRL looks at a succession plan of Maroons coaches, with the likes of Queensland legends Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk also under consideration.
For now, QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said Green was the right man for the job.
“We are delighted to have Paul Green coach the Queensland Maroons,” he said.
“He has earned it. His coaching record is outstanding and has longevity.
“Paul has gone through our Queensland Academy of Sport coaching program where he worked under Wayne Bennett.
“The work he has done has been through our emerging squads to being offered the job some time ago (2015) and now having certainty to lead the campaign.
“His knowledge is excellent and he keeps trying to improve in areas like science and psychology.
“He has been to Harvard University two or three times to help him think outside the square. He is committed to becoming a better leader.”