Payten confirmed as Cowboys head coach
RUGBY LEAGUE
AUCKLAND: Todd Payten has been confirmed as the North Queensland Cowboys' new head coach, succeeding Paul Green.
Payten has penned a threeyear deal beginning in 2021, returning to the club he was an assistant at for four years, which included its 2015 NRL Premiershipwinning season.
The 41yearold will see out his time at the Warriors as their interim head coach in 2020. His stocks rose during his time as their temporary mentor, his 55 record placing them firmly in the hunt for a finals spot with four games remaining.
‘‘We are delighted to bring Todd back to North Queensland and believe he is the right choice to lead our club into an exciting new chapter,’’ Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay said.
‘‘His strong leadership abilities, the importance he places on culture and communication and the confidence he has in continuing to develop our playing group were all major factors in choosing Todd as our next head coach.’’
Warriors CEO Cameron George acknowledged Payten's appointment in North Queensland, and cited his focus on the rest of 2020.
‘‘He is doing a terrific job with our team and we're proud of what he, the players and the staff have been achieving. I know Todd is as committed and focused as ever to fulfilling his role with us,’’ George said.
‘‘As a club we're pleased for him that he has secured his future and that he's able to take his family back to Australia but all that matters for him right now is ensuring the Warriors are well prepared to face the Eels this weekend.’’
Payten turned down the Warriors head coaching role last month, which led to the club appointing Nathan Brown as the fulltime successor to Stephen Kearney. Payten was initially contracted as an assistant in — The New Zealand Herald