Chanel Harris-Tavita admits saying goodbye to departing interim coach Todd Payten won't be easy.
This week, Payten is expected to be unveiled as the new head coach of North Queensland Cowboys, after turning around the Warriors' fortunes, since stepping in for ousted Stephen Kearney.
Four wins from their last five fixtures for the NZ-based NRL side have further enhanced his reputation and while half Harris-Tavita says the players would love to see him stay on, they'll try to farewell him on a high note.
"It would be good to keep him, but we’re really happy for Toddy," says Harris-Tavita. "He's done a tremendous job for the boys since he's been in camp and since he’s taken over that coaching role.
"We wish him all the best, but for now, we want to get a few more wins for him."
Payten turned down the offer of a permanent role as Warriors head coach, preferring to return to his native Australia with his family.
With the club now on the verge of an unlikely NRL playoffs berth, Payten is urging his troops to remain focused on what's in front of them, namely Parramatta Eels on Sunday.
"He just wants us to focus on each week as it comes," adds Harris-Tavita. "I know we've probably got a shot of making the eight, but for us, it’s trying to improve individually and as a team.
"If we do that, then we’ll give ourselves a good chance."
The 21-year-old's strong play has been a large part of the Warriors' recent success, as his combination with halves partner Kodi Nikorima continues to blossom.
"The more games we get to play together, the better the combination will be," Harris-Tavita notes.
"He takes a lot of pressure off me when he runs the ball, and I try to take the pressure off him by executing our last plays and getting to our kicks. I'm learning a lot more about my own style of play.
"Kodi helps me a lot. He’s pretty experienced, he's played a few games for the Kiwis, he's played in Grand Finals and he has a real calmness about him."
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