Cowboys coach Todd Payten issued warning by NRL for sustained five-year attacks on match officials

The NRL has put Todd Payten on notice after accusing the Cowboys coach of consistent attacks on match officials spanning five years.

The NRL has put Todd Payten on notice after accusing the Cowboys coach of consistent attacks on match officials spanning five years.

Payten has been given a final warning after the Cowboys coach slammed officials in the wake of North Queensland’s thrilling 30-all draw with Penrith last Saturday night.

Payten was furious over a series of calls, including referee Todd Smith and touch judges missing an alleged high shot on Cowboys centre Viliami Vailea.

The NRL has had enough and warned Payten is one more outburst away from being fined, claiming he has been critical of officials since his appointment as Cowboys coach in 2020.

“The NRL has issued Cowboys coach Todd Payten with a final warning for repeated and consistent criticism of NRL match officials,” an NRL statement read.

“The final warning relates to comments made by Mr Payten following Round 10 of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership and as far back as 2020.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten slammed the officials after his side’s draw with Penrith. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“Mr Payten has been reminded of his obligations under the NRL Rules and Code of Conduct as well as his general responsibility as a sporting leader to set an appropriate example to grassroots and junior participants across the broader rugby league community.

“All Rugby League participants are reminded to respect referees and Match Officials who perform a vital and integral role within the game.”

Asked if the referees are putting the whistle away in tight games and should make bolder calls, Payten said: “Yes I do.

“That’s what they are paid to do.

“Make the right call at the right time.

“Murray Taulagi (Cowboys winger) got (penalised) where a bloke fell into his chest and Vailea less than five minutes later got his head taken off and it was right in front of the touch judge.

“There was no call there and it was wrong.

“It’s so frustrating.

“We want consistency and we’re not getting it.

“I’m confused what a high shot is and I think everybody is.”

Payten claims it’s a waste of time making official complaints to NRL head of football Graham Annesley.

“I will talk to the NRL and go through the right channels, but it’s white noise,” he fired at the post-match press conference in Townsville last Saturday night.

“If my players make error after error and howlers, there’s a fair chance he’s not in the team.

“No-one is held accountable for it.”

Originally published as Cowboys coach Todd Payten issued warning by NRL for sustained five-year attacks on match officials