Todd Payten has set his sights on coaching North Queensland after turning down the Warriors’ offer to lead the Auckland-based NRL club full-time.
The interim Warriors coach wants to remain in Australia long-term for family reasons.
“There’s another opportunity that’s on the table. That is the Cowboys,” Payten told NRL 360.
“I’m not in any process at the moment, they’re just aware of my interest.”
Payten has been temporarily in charge of the Warriors since Steven Kearney was sacked last month.
But being based in Auckland long-term isn’t an option for the 41-year-old and his wife, whose father is battling cancer.
“My wife’s father just started chemotherapy,” Payten said.
“That was at the forefront of our mind. Obviously with the COVID thing, for her to travel back and forth is very, very difficult.
“That was a big part of it. That’s my decision and I’ve made it.
“It was tough for everyone. The club was shocked and disappointed.
“Moving forward, my focus is on getting the side prepared from week to week.”
The Warriors last month knocked back interest from former Manly coach Geoff Toovey and brothers Ben and Shane Walker.
Payten will lead the 12th-placed Warriors in their round-13 battle with Manly on Friday night.
The former Wests Tigers, Raiders and Roosters forward was an assistant at North Queensland before moving to the Warriors.
Former Cowboys coach Paul Green walked away from the role last month, leaving Josh Hannay to take the helm for the remainder of the 2020 season.
Joel DW
Roar Rookie
I can't understand why people are knocking this. The club are looking at Kevin Walters, who's done nothing in NRL clubland. The bloke with a 37% winning record at Catalans Dragons. The bloke who should focus on winning a state of origin without the big four first. I'd rather us take a punt on Todd Payten. He knows the club, he is very straight talking and honest. There's no mumbo jumbo, wordy bullshit that equates to nothing with Todd Payten, he tells it how he sees it, what's going on at the club and how he plans to work on things. We need transparency. Paul Green gave more of the former and less of the latter. Todd moved over to Australia months ago with his side as an assistant coach. Probably rumblings, but nothing solid that his boss would be sacked. He has taken control of a side that is living out of a suitcase, players in and out, injuries aplomb, players that aren't Warriors. He has every excuse to throw his hands up with the comfort of the excuse that he's in a difficult situation. But he has taken the charge and is incredibly invested in the challenge. The players seem to respect him highly and so do the seemingly odd owners. If you impress them, you must be of some good stuff. He is bringing a resolve and some steel to them that they've lacked. He can do some seriously good work at the Cowboys.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
noip, yep, working with Eddie Jones as a skills coach. Nicely rounding out his resume.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I really hope not.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I think he's hanging out for your lot. The distant whispers I hear are that he's near front of line.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Would you think that Payten is pretty confident given he's knocked back a top coach gig??
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
He really likes Southern QLD i hear.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Isn't Ryles going to English rugby?
Rellum
Roar Guru
Can Green go to the Warriors now.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
Agreed. Out of all the rookie coaches I'd probably trust Ryles the most given his history under Bellamy, but I'm happier to stick with Hannay over Payten. Woolf and Payten obviously have history up in NQ but Woolf has just gone to St Helens and I don't think Payten is the defensive coach we need. Wane has been talked about as well, and has had plenty of praise for what he's done in England. He might be a solid option. Out of all the experienced NRL coaches around, Griffin will probably be the best in terms of results, but you're gonna be sacrificing a lot in man-management if you want to take that route.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
If we go for him we are desperate. I am not totally sure about Hannay but I would rather stick with him than Payten.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
On top of this Blake green is gone. Top effort by Cameron George.
Chuck
Guest
I hope he has a strong defensive coach in mind, or is an exceptional defensive coach himself. Without it, the Cows will remain close to the bottom of the table for the next few years.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Can't blame him really given his family situation. Cameron George again has failed to keep his mouth shut and publicly knocked back other contenders for the job instead of being professional . He seriously needs to be gagged for the good of the club!