Interim NZ Warriors coach Todd Payten has been confirmed as Paul Green's successor at North Queensland Cowboys, putting pen to paper on a three year-deal.
On Friday, the Cowboys confirmed Payten would take the reins from next season, beating the likes of Manly Sea Eagles assistant John Cartwright, England coach Shaun Wane and current North Queensland interim Josh Hannay for the top job.
"I am honoured to be appointed head coach of the North Queensland Cowboys," says Payten.
"I'm excited for the opportunity which lies ahead for myself and my family. Returning to this club, town and region is something which makes us extremely happy.
"I see a huge amount of upside within the Cowboys organisation and it is my job to see that eventuates into results on the field.
"Developing the players within the club to be good footballers and good men, along with playing a style of football our members and supporters can be proud of, will be my main focus."
The Cowboys have been searching for a new head coach, since Green departed the role in July.
The Warriors have granted Payten's request for release from the final year of his contract to take up the position.
While Warriors chief executive Cameron George is disapointed to see Payten go, he says the goal is still make the NRL playoffs.
"Todd and I have spoken, and nothing has changed," says George. "He is doing a terrific job with our team, and we're proud of what he, the players and the staff have been achieving.
"I know Todd is as committed and focused as ever to fulfilling his role with us.
"As a club, we're pleased for him that he has secured his future and that's he's able to take his family back to Australia, but all that matters for him right now is ensuring the Warriors are well prepared to face the Eels this weekend.
"To that end, we have agreed there won't be any further comment about Todd's contract with the Cowboys until after our game on Sunday."
Payten became the leading candidate for the Cowboys job, after revealing he'd turned down the full-time Warriors job.
He was open about his desire to return to his native Australia, where his wife's father had just started chemotherapy.
The Warriors subsequently signed Nathan Brown to a three-year deal.
Payten is familiar with the Cowboys set-up - he was part of Green's coaching staff when they won the 2015 NRL Premiership and were defeated Grand Finalists in 2017.
Injuries to key players have seen the Cowboys struggle this season. They sit 14th on the NRL ladder, with nine consecutive losses.
Payten has been in hot demand since replacing Stephen Kearney at the Warriors, leading them to four wins in their past five games and to the cusp of an unlikely playoffs berth.
Cowboys Chairman Lewis Ramsay says Payten is the perfect man to turn the club around.
"We went through a thorough process and were thrilled with the large number of exceptional candidates who expressed interest in being the next head coach of our club," he says.
"We are delighted to bring Todd back to North Queensland and believe he is the right choice to lead our club into an exciting new chapter.
"His strong leadership abilities, the importance he places on culture and communication, and the confidence he has in continuing to develop our playing group were all major factors in choosing Todd as our next head coach."
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