New boss likes what he sees
Family key factor in luring new Cowboys coach north
AS alluring as the young guns of the Cowboys were for Todd Payten, ultimately a family decision was what drew him back to Townsville.
The new North Queensland coach assumed his responsibilities yesterday, meeting some of the club’s up and coming stars and envisioning what 2021 will bring.
Firebrand forward Tom Gilbert has been quick to impress Payten from the outset for his aggression and professionalism, while he described Hamiso TabuaiFidow as a player of uncoachable speed with “a real football presence and understanding of where to be and what to do at the right time”.
Payten was lauded for what he achieved at the New Zealand Warriors, in taking them from a relocated team slipping down the ladder to an NRL finals dark horse.
However despite being offered their head coaching position beyond the season, there was something missing in the set-up he and his family had established.
“First and foremost I was offered the job at the Warriors and I just had an underlying feeling it wasn’t the right decision for my family,” Payten said.
“I know we were happy together over there (but) I was the only one that was thriving, so the decision was determined by (the fact) there was a glimmer of hope of hopefully making us all happy
here. We took a risk, had some sleepless nights along the way and it worked out for the best.”
Payten will bring to the Cowboys an array of unique experiences NRL coaches typically do not have to endure.
The coronavirus pandemic took the Warriors out of their comfort zones, removed from their homes and families.
What Payten said he took
from the testing period was how underrated the correlation between enjoyment and success was.
It was a “whirlwind few weeks” when he first took on the position, but he quickly learnt that his squad needed to find extra motivation to ensure they were not a spent force making up the numbers.
“I was a little bit apprehensive about taking the job on but I felt obligated to the team
and the club to get us going in the right direction,” Payten said. “With our situation being away from home, it was important we enjoyed what we were doing.
“Winning games certainly helps that … I wasn’t a big person on energy and dynamics, but the last few months really showed how important that can be for a group to make sure they’re enjoying what they’re doing.”