‘The referee calls’: Payten’s cheeky dig after finals heartbreak as Cowboys coach claims top gong

North Queensland’s Todd Payten delivered a classy and touching speech after claiming the Dally M Coach of the Year honour that left his wife a little emotional.

Payten received the award for his efforts in turning the Cowboys around from a 15th place finish in 2021 to third and a preliminary final this season.

A year ago there were rumours of tension between he and skipper Jason Taumalolo, while the club copped criticism for some recruitment decisions.

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But the Cowboys emerged as one of the biggest stories of the season with six players representing Queensland in State of Origin and two more being selected in the New South Wales squad.

Before Payten credited his own club, he wished the Eels and Panthers well ahead of Sunday’s grand final.

“This is a nice consolation for what was a disappointing result last Friday,” he said referring to the Cowboys’ preliminary final loss.

“I just want to say firstly, everyone in that roped off area, everyone outside of that roped off area are envious of what you are going to experience on Sunday.

“I wish Brad (Arthur), Ivan (Cleary) and the respective squads, all the girls, getting there is really hard, and whether you win or lose it is a great achievement. Best of luck to all involved.”

Payten also took the opportunity to give a beautiful shout out to his wife, Julie, who appeared to get emotional when he spoke about the sacrifices she had made to allow him to pursue coaching.

“I am accepting this award standing on the shoulders of so many people inside and outside of our club,” he said.

“I am going to start with my beautiful wife, she has followed me from Sydney to Townsville, Townsville to New Zealand, she had a successful career path, she has given me three beautiful kids and great support, and I am really lucky.

“Without your love and support I wouldn’t be able to do what I am able to do from Monday to Friday and Saturday, Sunday and every hour in between.

“While I am here I just want to thank all the wives and partners of everyone in our game, we live a hedonistic life, it is gruelling, it is taxing, and you guys play a big part in what our boys are able to do.

“Keep propping them up, keep making them better off the field and we will do our jobs to make sure they are good both on and off the field.”

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Payten wrapped things up by acknowledging all the players but of course thanking his own playing group.

He also slipped in a cheek joke aimed at the referees.

“Before we start with our players, I want to start with all the players in the room, you guys are warriors, our game is so tough to play,” Payten said.

“It is physically tough, it is mentally demanding and what you put your bodies and minds trough week after week, it is so awesome.

“My job is so easy because of the strength of character in our game through the men we have, and I am going to finish with our players.

“I want to thank you guys for trusting me and our staff, I said first day back in pre-season the only limitations we have are the decisions we make as a group and individuals.

“You guys gave yourself to the team, you gave yourselves to me and the staff and worked really hard day after day.

“That is why we improved so dramatically, it was disappointing the way it finished but we have set ourselves up moving forward.

“There is only a few things that is going to hold us back, it is our attitude, injury, the bounce of the ball or the referees calls.

“We can control our attitude, and I can guarantee I will be pushing you along, enjoy your break, it is well deserved.”

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