Walters calls for better support

BRONCOS coach Kevin Walters has urged the NRL to provide more mental health support following the sudden death of Queensland league icon Paul Green.

Green was found dead in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, aged 49, after taking his own life.

The death of Green, a 162game first grader who coached the North Queensland Cowboys to their first NRL premiership in 2015, has rocked the game.

Walters (pictured) and Green had a 30-year relationship as Queensland Origin teammates and rivals on the field for their respective clubs.

Green severed ties with the Cowboys in 2020, went headto-head with Walters for the Broncos’ job that year and coached Queensland’s Origin team for one series last year.

At the time of his death, Green was in talks with the Dolphins to become an assistant to Wayne Bennett for the Redcliffe club’s launch next year.

Walters pleaded for the NRL to increase its mental health support for players, coaches and support staff in the wake of Green’s death.

“It’s very sad news,” Walters said on Friday morning.

“I was fortunate enough to play Origin football with ‘Greeny’ and had many battles against him during his days at the Sharks and Cowboys.

“My feelings go out to his family, friends and everyone involved with Paul. It’s just so sad.

“It’s important we check on each other each day – particularly with the mental health side of things. It’s something I believe the NRL needs to put more focus on, particularly around our players, coaches and support staff. Everyone that’s involved in the game.”