NRL 2021: Cowboys coach Todd Payten must decide whether to hold his ground on Jason Taumalolo

How brave is too brave in the sensitive world of professional sport? Todd Payten has kicked a hornet’s nest, but can he hold his ground, writes Robert Craddock.

Todd Payten must decide if he wants to stay firm with his decision on Taumalolo. Picture: Alix Sweeney.

Two things appear certain about no-nonsense North Queensland coach Todd Payten’s push to prove that substance is more important than spin.

The first is that many former players are enjoying his frankness and hoping it works. The second is that, much that they are willing him on, none can guarantee that his robust straight talk will triumph over the delicate tap dances that are the norm in our increasingly sensitive world.

Payten stirred up a hornet’s nest when he allowed superstar Jason Taumalolo just 51 minutes in the opening round loss to Penrith last week, criticising his marker defence and claiming his team could have been beaten by 50 points.

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Todd Payten has come under fire for how Jason Taumalolo was used in the Cowboys Round 1 loss to the Panthers. Picture: Getty Images.

Taumalolo may be gone for a month with a broken hand but as the Cowboys prepare to confront the Dragons on Saturday without their greatest strike force the question lingers on whether first year coach Payten will again be bold enough to shoot from the hip.

North Queensland officials expect more of the same because they say Payten is straighter than a pool cue and must be true to who and what he is.

The question is will he rouse or rile his team? Or both? And is he being too honest for his own good?

Paul Vautin inspired Queensland during his time as coach.

Former State of Origin forward Billy Moore liked what he heard and it took him back to Queensland’s shock 3-0 Origin win 1995 when Paul Vautin was coaching at senior level for the first time.

“Just like Payten, Fatty came in and had self belief and a crystal clear vision of what he stood for – and it worked,’’ Moore said. “Coaches just have to be who they are otherwise they eventually get found out. I like it. Is it brave? yes. Is it risky? Yes. Will it work? I don’t know.’’

Coaches in all sports are finding the modern player is a much more sensitive beast than they were a few decades ago which is why Australian cricket coach Justin Langer, who grew up in an abrasive world but coaches in an eras where the cuddle has replaced the curse, may have to tone down some of the fierce intensity which is his trademark.

Todd Payten must decide if he wants to stay firm with his decision on Taumalolo. Picture: Alix Sweeney.

Some believe Payten went too hard to early but NRL360 host and former Cowboys board member Ben Ikin disagrees and senses he will hold his ground.

“I think he is on to something,’’ Ikin said.

“The Cowboys are coming of three very ordinary (bottom four) years. They needed to be better. To get more out of them he needed to ruffle a few feathers.’’

“A coach has to be consistent in who they are. If you make very clear what you stand for early – which is what Payten has done – then over time people who agree with you stick around and you are left with a critical mass of people who believe in the same thing. That, essentially, is what culture is.’’

Originally published as NRL 2021: Cowboys coach Todd Payten must decide whether to hold his ground on Jason Taumalolo