The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a two-year contract extension with NRL Head Coach Todd Payten, running through the end of the 2028 season.
Currently in his sixth season as Cowboys Head Coach, Payten’s extension will see him surpass Paul Green as the longest-tenured coach in club history.
Heading into Sunday’s clash against the Warriors, Payten has led the Cowboys in 146 games, which is 15 behind Graham Murray’s tally of 161 and 22 behind Green’s 168.
Payten guided North Queensland to its first-ever home preliminary final appearance in 2022 and the second week of the finals in 2024.
North Queensland sit ninth after 15 Rounds, but its eight wins are just one behind the second-placed Warriors.
Cowboys Football Club Chairman David Myles said he was delighted to announce Payten’s extension.
“Successful organisations don't make short-sighted decisions and as a Group we have taken the time to carefully assess the direction our club is heading,” Myles said.
“Over recent months we have seen significant growth in both our football program and the leadership of Todd.
“While results are always important, our decision was based on much more than the ladder. We have seen clear improvement and alignment around standards, accountability, culture and the long-term direction of our club.
“The Board is confident Todd is the right person to lead our club into the future.”
Payten said he was excited to remain in the region he loves.
“North Queensland is home for my family and I’m thrilled to be able to extend for another two seasons,” he said.
“I love the club and the region because of the people within it.
“I am grateful to be leading this group of young men and we are committed to bringing the second premiership to North Queensland.”
Payten said he was equally excited by the improvement the NRL squad has shown over the opening half of the season as well as the strength of the club’s pathways system.
“The depth of our squad has been tested this year,” he said.
“We have given NRL debuts to Liam Sutton and Xavier Kerrisk as well as club debuts to Reed Mahoney, Soni Luke, Matt Lodge, Ethan King and Wiremu Grieg.
“Jake Clifford, Thomas Mikaele, Braidon Burns, Heilum Luki and Soni Luke are playing what I believe is the best football of their careers.
“We also have an exciting group pushing up from underneath the NRL squad highlighted by results in the NRLQ and Mal Meninga Cup competitions.
“Our club is well positioned for success this season and into the future.”
