LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Every year, certain NRL coaches face heightened pressure as the season begins.
With the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights appointing new coaches before 2026, the focus may shift to Todd Payten, particularly as other teams at the bottom seem secure due to injuries or their status.
Payten, who has led the North Queensland Cowboys since 2021, has achieved mixed results during his tenure.
Currently holding a 50 percent winning rate, the 2025 season was particularly disappointing for the Cowboys, a team that possesses enough talent to contend for the premiership each year.
The failure to make the finals in 2025 should raise significant concerns at the Cowboys' headquarters.
Compounding these issues is the fact that a proper roster rebuild is still a year away.
Limited roster changes are anticipated for 2026, while the off-contract list at the end of that season includes 14 players, among them John Bateman, Tom Chester, Jake Clifford, Sam McIntyre, Jaxson Paulo, Jaxon Purdue, and Murray Taulagi.