Todd Payten has turned down an opportunity to coach the NZ Warriors on a full-time basis.
The former Wests Tigers forward took the reins of the struggling NRL club as interim coach, after Stephen Kearney's shock departure in June.
Speaking on NRL 360, Payten has indicated he was interested in pursuing the recently vacated role at North Queensland Cowboys, confirming he turned down an offer from the Warriors last week.
"I told the club that I'm going to turn it down," he said. "It just wasn't the right opportunity for my family and myself at this time.
"It was not an easy decision, something I agonised over for a few days but in the end, it was the first time I put my family first in a decision. It just wasn't the right time."
Several coaches have been linked to the Warriors role, including former Cowboys boss Paul Green, who now appears to be the top candidate for the job.
The Warriors are also understood to have shortlisted former Penrith Panthers boss Anthony Griffin.
Payten has guided the club to two wins in his six games at the helm, including Friday night's upset win over his former club, Wests Tigers.
But despite making a home for himself and his family in Auckland when he was appointed assistant coach at the beginning of the 2019 season, Payten intends to head back to Australia, due to the ill health of his wife's father.
With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Payten says, if he is still with the club, he would offer the new coach his full support, but intends to take up the role at the Cowboys, if it's offered.
