PAYTEN TO SHAKE THINGS UP
THEIR work on the field will be crucial to the Cowboys’ success next season, but incoming coach Todd Payten says intangible things off the field are just as crucial.
In one of his first interviews since taking the reins from Paul Green, Payten admitted he had learnt “bucketloads” in his time in the Warriors’ set-up last season. Things that would set him in the right direction at North Queensland.
Payten was assistant to Stephen Kearney in the Warriors’ Central Coast hub before taking the reins mid-season when Kearney was given the boot.
With squad members losing their coach, and more than 2000km from home with no family by their side, it was a tough time for the new coach.
“I learnt bucketloads last year. Happiness was a big one, making sure they enjoy turning up to work each day in the right frame of mind to get the job done,” Payten said.
“Winning games helps with that, but I think the spirit shown by the coaching staff is infectious. The human connection side of it I learnt last year. I already knew that was important, but it was amplified last year.
“Our situation was unique, we were in close quarters for five months. I got to know them personally and they got to know me and I think that helped me being able to be as honest as I needed to be.
“Another is around energy. That is a harder one, I have always been black and white and pretty factual. Energy, you can’t touch it, but it has a big impact on how you play and how you train and I certainly learnt that last year.”