Interim Warriors coach Todd Payten has finally confirmed he's off to the North Queensland Cowboys for next year's NRL.
Todd Payten has been confirmed as the North Queensland Cowboys new head coach. Photo: Photosport
The Cowboys have signed Payten on a three deal replacing Paul Green who left mid way through the season after a seven-year stint which included the club's first premiership in 2015 and a grand-final defeat in 2017.
Payten was part of Green's coaching staff at the Cowboys for the 2015 win and is the Cowboys' eighth full-time head coach and the fourth since the late Graham Murray took over in 2002.
Payten has resurrected the Warriors season after taking over from the sacked Stephen Kearney, giving the Auckland club a slim chance of still making the playoffs with four wins in the past five games.
The Cowboys are languishing in 14th place and have lost their past nine games.
Last month Nathan Brown who has coached St George Illawarra Dragons, Newcastle Knights and Super League clubs St Helens and Huddersfield, was appointed as the Warriors new head coach after Payten turned the role down.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George is confident Payten remains focused on his current job though.
"Todd and I have spoken and nothing has changed," George said.
"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.
Payten was contracted as an assistant coach with the Warriors until the end of next season but George said the club respected his desire to return home for family reasons.