The North Queensland Cowboys have announced Todd Payten as the clubโs next head coach, signing him to a three-year deal from the 2021 NRL season.
Payten told the Cowboys website he and his family were thrilled to be returning to Queensland, with an eye to turn the Cowboys back into a winning team.
Cowboys announce Warrior Todd Payten as new coach ๐โ
๐ https://t.co/UfxwbJBbgP pic.twitter.com/r2qb8FnYrF
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) September 4, 2020
โIโm excited for the opportunity which lies ahead for myself and my family, returning to this club, town and region is something which makes us extremely happy,โ he said.
โI see a huge amount of upside within the Cowboys organization and it is my job to see that eventuate into results on the field.
โDeveloping the players within the club to be good footballers and good men along with playing a style of football our members and supporters can be proud of will be my main focus.โ
Payten played 259 games across 16 seasons at three different clubs, starting at Canberra from 1996-2002, playing one season at Sydney in 2003 before finishing his career up at Wests Tigers from 2004-11.
The 41-year old transitioned from player to coach immediately following retirement, coaching the Wests Tigersโ NYC team to a grand final victory in 2012 before progressing to an assistant coach with the Tigers in 2014. He then moved to the Cowboys the following year.
Payten departed North Queensland following the 2018 season to take up an assistant coaching role with the New Zealand Warriors where he was named head coach for the remainder of the 2020 season back in June.
CEO Jeff Reibel said the Cowboys had secured a coach that understands the clubโs importance to the North Queensland community.
โWe have been fortunate to secure the services of one of the best young coaches in the NRL,โ he said.
โHe also understands here at the Cowboys we are more than just a rugby league club, he appreciates we are a community-focused club which brings the whole of North Queensland together.
โTodd has proved he is ready to be a Head Coach and weโre delighted to give him that opportunity at the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys.โ
I've said it once, I'll say it again, Todd Payten's straight up approach to interviews and fresh honesty is just excellent.
— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) September 2, 2020
