NRL: Todd Payten flags team changes after embarrassing North Queensland Cowboys defeat

North Queensland coach Todd Payten has a golden opportunity to tinker with his struggling side as he prepares for a season-defining month leading into finals. What changes would you look at making?

North Queensland coach Todd Payten has a golden opportunity to tinker with his struggling side as he prepares for a season-defining month leading into finals.

The Cowboys host a desperate Canberra Raiders outfit on Saturday night and then a well-timed bye will give them a week off before two tough games against Melbourne and the Bulldogs to close out the regular season.

Although Payten’s men have been getting results, it’s obvious that they’re not firing on all cylinders.

Saturday’s stunning capitulation against Brisbane saw the Broncos run in 36 unanswered points with the Cowboys apparently unable to stem the flow in defence or spark any sort of attacking answer to a team that had lost eight of its past nine games.

Payten flagged the potential for personnel changes, saying too many of his regular players were failing to execute their role.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten looks on during the round 21 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“Across the group we just had too many guys miss their assignment, and some guys missed it on multiple occasions, so that’s a disappointing part,” Payten said.

“The game was there for us to kick on with it and we weren’t good enough.

“I think we’ve let down ourselves, our fans, definitely let down our old boys – it was a big occasion for our club, this game and old boys’ weekend, so yeah, it hurts.”

The only two players in the matchday 17 not to miss at least one tackle during Saturday night’s debacle were Jaxon Purdue, who played the final eight minutes off the interchange, and Jeremiah Nanai, who failed his HIA following a head clash in the 28th minute.

Jeremiah Nanai of the Cowboys comes from the field for a HIA. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Valentine Holmes missed seven of his 17 attempts while Chad Townsend missed five of his 23. Reuben Cotter led the Cowboys tackling charts with 39 made with just two misses.

Every Cowboys back made at least one error.

Nanai’s failed HIA will force Payten’s hand to make at least one change for the Raiders and the coach said he would look to start Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and reassess his rotation.

Reuben Cotter played some minutes in the backrow against Brisbane but North Queensland could also use Sam McIntyre on an edge or recall rookie wrecking ball Jamal Shibasaki from the Mackay Cutters.

There are other prospects banging on the door of selection with incredible Q Cup performances including Northern Pride stars Tom Chester, Tom Duffy, Jake Clifford and Rob Derby – but Payten has been hesitant to make unforced changes in 2024.

Northern Pride kicker Tom Duffy launches a conversion through the goals in their Hostplus Cup match against Central Queensland Capras at Barlow Park. Picture: Emily Barker

One backline player that continues to show improvement is 21-year-old Viliami Vailea, who Payten said was beginning to show his true potential.

“He’s a smart player, strong defensively. He’s gotten better every week,” Payten said.

“I knew the kid when I was over there at the Warriors, he was only 18 at the time (and) showed some brilliance.

“When I was talking to Webby (Warriors coach Andrew Webster) around signing him, (Webster) said (Vailea) was a kid that’s going to come and bite him on the arse eventually.

“He’s put his head down and worked really hard. He’s not far away from becoming a really good NRL centre.”

Whatever Payten decides to do when he announces his team on Tuesday, if things don’t change quickly on the field then the whole squad can start booking September holidays.

Originally published as NRL: Todd Payten flags team changes after embarrassing North Queensland Cowboys defeat