Legendary North Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston has spoken publicly for the first time after the death of his close friend and former Cowboys coach Paul Green.

Green, at 49, took his own life in his Brisbane home last week.

The pair famously combined in 2015 to help lead the Cowboys to their maiden premiership crown.

“Rollercoaster of emotions. It’s hard, I’m sad [and] I’m angry,” Thurston told 9News.

“I think of Amanda [Green’s wife] and the kids. It just breaks my heart. He was still like the rock for everyone else. He was saying, ‘Give me a call if you need to chat. You’ve got so much to live for. You’ve got health, family, kids’.

“So it just doesn’t make sense.”

A public memorial will be held for the former Australian and Queensland player and grand final coach.