Payten shuts out noise as Cowboys seek first win
North Queensland coach Todd Payten concedes scrutiny on his team ahead of the Brisbane clash has been “uncomfortable” after two straight losses.
North Queensland coach Todd Payten has shut out the noise about his poorly performing team and focused on lifting his troops who are lacking confidence but not ability.
The Cowboys, after two heavy losses to Manly and Cronulla, play Brisbane away on Friday night in the Queensland derby as rank outsiders.
Cooper Cronk in Fox League commentary said that “I don’t know if Payten can afford a couple more big scores”.
It is only round two. The Cowboys lost their opening three games in 2015 and went on to win the title. Last year they lost five in a row and still played finals.
Still, the pressure in the NRL is relentless and Payten has come under the microscope.
“I am not going to lie. It has been uncomfortable,” he said.
“Are our lads listening to it? Am I listening to it? I know I am not but I can certainly feel it through unintended consequences of people text messaging and checking in.
“Obviously there is a lot (of noise) about. It is justified to be fair. We are the only ones that can get ourselves out of it so I am looking forward to getting down there and playing a really big match for our club in the derby.”
Payten has reassured his players this week of their abilities and told them to play to their strengths.
“Morale is pretty good. Confidence is low and there is a bit of nerves around at the moment so my job has been to try and relax the lads and make sure they are focused on winning their own little battles,” he said.
“It is important we stay connected, play relaxed and stay in the moment.”
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Payten said rookie half Tom Duffy was disappointed to be dropped but explained that the experienced Jake Clifford was a bigger body and better tackler.
“Tom has been solid without setting the world on fire but he has been playing behind a beaten pack,” Payten said.
“I thought he kicked well and talked well so my opinion of him hasn’t changed. I think he is a long-term first grader at the club.”
The Cowboys also welcome back forward leader Jason Taumalolo for his first NRL game of the season in a huge confidence boost.
