Green jumps ship as coach after one year

QUEENSLAND is on the lookout for a new coach after Paul Green dropped a bombshell on the Maroons by walking away as Origin coach.

The Queensland Rugby League will begin a formal search for a new coach following the resignation of Green, who has opted not to seek reappointment for 2022.

Green suffered a dramacharged 2-1 series loss this season, with the Maroons rocked by a number of scandals including the Ronaldo Mulitalo eligibility saga and the Jai Arrow Covid breach affair.

The likes of Wayne Bennett, Mal Meninga, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith are sure to be considered for the post.

It is understood the QRL wanted greater certainty from its Origin coach and is seeking a longer-term contract than the 12-month deal this season handed to Green, who has aspirations to return to a headcoaching role in the NRL.

“After much consultation and discussion post the Origin series, both the QRL and I have decided to move in different directions,” Green said.

“The basis for this is simple, the QRL wants to ensure that they have certainty around the Origin coach not wanting to pursue an NRL head coach job, and whilst I could give them that certainty for the 2021 series, I cannot guarantee that this would be the case in the future.

“I have loved every minute of this job as it is every Queenslander’s dream to coach this team.”

At the heart of the differences between Green and the QRL was the former Cowboys coach’s view that the Origin job could not be treated as a part-time appointment.

It is understood Green made a presentation to the QRL board recently where he expressed a desire to have more input on the Maroons’ structures, including their development and grassroots pathways.

Green was concerned with Queensland’s playing depth and infrastructure compared to the Blues.

Green was keen to have more of a say in direction and health of the Queensland Origin system.

Conversely, the QRL wanted greater commitment from their coach than year-to-year stints.

The QRL wants at least a two or three-year deal for their next coach.