NRL 2020: Todd Payten favourite for New Zealand Warriors coaching job

The Warriors coaching job is Todd Payten’s to lose after another high profile coach ruled himself out of the position, with the rookie interim favourite to replace Stephen Kearney.

The Warriors will interview their next coach via Skype. Picture: Getty Images

Todd Payten’s pursuit of the New Zealand Warriors head coaching role is his to lose with one of the leading candidates pulling out of the race.

Another domino has fallen Payten’s way and his interim role could quickly develop into the real deal after former Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown ruled himself out of contention.

Brown, who worked as a consultant at the Warriors earlier this year, was widely-considered the frontrunner to replace axed coach Stephen Kearney.

However, Brown has chosen to join an increasing list of coaches who have either publicly or privately deemed themselves ineligible for consideration.

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The coaching job is Todd Payten’s to lose as he serves as interim coach. Picture: Getty Images.

“The Warriors coaching role is a wonderful opportunity. But for me personally, that role doesn’t fit at this stage,’’ Brown said via statement to The Sunday Telegraph.

Brown joins Storm coach Craig Bellamy, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon and Storm assistant coach Jason Ryles to advise the Warriors, both formally and publicly, they aren’t available.

England coach Shaun Wane and Payten — both at opposite ends of their coaching careers — are on a Warriors short-list of up to six candidates.

The Warriors have formed a coaching selection panel that includes Warriors owner Mark Robinson, chairman Rob Groot, chief executive Cameron George and club legend Simon Mannering.

It’s understood the panel is assessing two forms of coaches with differing qualities.

They can go with an experienced NRL coach with proven success, or appoint a rookie coach who has developed his coaching and leadership through the lower grades.

That’s where Payten, with his work as coach of the Tigers’ NYC team in 2012 and title success in 2013, before joining the Cowboys as an assistant to Paul Green, has plenty of support.

Former Knights coach Nathan Brown has rules himself out of the position. Picture: AAP.

Warriors assistant Justin Morgan admitted Payten’s audition was under less than ideal circumstances, but added it was clear the 41-year-old had an increasing presence and connection with the current playing group.

“I’m seeing a guy that works extremely hard,’’ Morgan said.

“I’m seeing a guy who has real care for the footy team, which are two really good characteristics when you talk about a coach leading the team.

“Obviously the management needs to go through a process that they see fit.

“Todd and I haven’t really spoken about more than this year.

“We’ve spoken about what we need to do to win games and ultimately winning games is certainly going to help anybody enhance their reputation to get the job.

“We know that.

“I don’t think they (Warriors management) are going to make their decision on just a win-loss ratio.

“There are a number of factors that go into making a good head coach, like the connection with the players I’ve spoken about.

“Yes, it’s a tough audition, but being a head coach is a tough job.’’

England coach Shaun Wane is also among those on the Warriors shortlist. Picture: Getty Images.

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As revealed by The Daily Telegraph last week, due to COVID-19 restrictions the panel are unable to conduct any interview with their next coach face-to-face.

Based in Auckland, the panel are unable to travel to Australia or England where the club’s next coach is being scoured and therefore will have to make history by appointing their coach via Zoom or Skype.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, regardless of the person, they’ll have to undertake a process that will include Zoom or Skype,’’ George said.

“Because even if it’s our interim coach in Todd (Payten), he’ll need to speak to us via that mechanism because I’m here, the chairman (Rob Groot) is here and (club consultant) Simon Mannering is here.

“So we won’t be meeting people in-person, which is difficult because unless you know the person, it’s hard to get that real-life engagement, which can be completely different to a video call.

“To be honest, if it was normal, we could come into Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, or wherever we need to go for a week and just get it done and dusted.

“But given the restrictions, it’s all very challenging.’’

Meanwhile, Morgan said it was a case of “wait and see” in regards to any players wanting to return home to New Zealand following the club’s clash with Cronulla next weekend.

Originally published as NRL 2020: Todd Payten favourite for New Zealand Warriors coaching job