Payten officially unveiled as new Cowboys coach
Todd Payten is the new North Queensland Cowboys coach.
Payten's appointment was one of the worst kept secrets in rugby league but has now been made official by the club.
He has signed a three-year deal, which will keep him at the Cowboys until the end of 2023.
"We went through a thorough process and were thrilled with the large number of exceptional candidates who expressed interest in being the next head coach of our club," Cowboys chair Lewis Ramsay said.
"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.
"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 assistant Todd Payten's stocks have soared this season and he has been rewarded with the Cowboys top job.Credit:Getty
Payten's coaching stocks have soared since taking charge of the Warriors on an interim capacity this season.
The club have been based in NSW since the season resumed and, after Stephen Kearney was sacked, Payten has dragged the club to the precipice of a remarkable finals berth.
He knocked back the chance to coach the Warriors beyond this season due to family reasons and has now landed the top job at the Cowboys.
Payten is no stranger to Townsville.
He coached the club's NYC side in 2014 and was an assistant to Paul Green in 2015, when the club won their maiden premiership.
"I am honoured to be appointed head coach of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys," Payten said.
"I’m 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."
"I see a huge amount of upside within the Cowboys organisation and it is my job to see that eventuate into results on the field.
"Developing 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."
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