The different approach Payten has taken in 2026

Following their turn in form, North Queensland's Jaxon Purdue has given insight into the shift Todd Payten has made in his coaching.

After finishing 12th in 2025, many felt that the Cowboys under the 47-year-old were not making the most of their potential.

That pressure on the squad only increased following two dismal losses against last year's wooden spooners in Newcastle and the Tigers to begin 2026.

But the Cowboys have been able to arrest their slide by winning their next two against the Titans and Storm, which has changed the atmosphere around the club.

“It was a bit of a rough start to the season,” Purdue acknowledged on SEN’s Vossy’s Verdict.

“0-2 does hurt a little bit, and I guess there’s a bit of pressure that gets thrown into it all.

“But to bounce back and win two in a row, especially against the Storm, gives us a bit of confidence and a vibe around the building.”

One of the factors that has contributed to this shift in form has been Payten's attitude.

Coming into the last season of his current deal, Payten was arguably the coach under the most pressure in 2026.

Despite the initial struggles, the 20-year-old noted that Payten's calmness has been better compared to what he was like last year.

“I think he's been really awesome this year,” he explained.

“He's come into this year with a whole different attitude.

“I really think that he did mean that he doesn't really look at the media or anything like that cause he's been really good with the boys and really good with our playing group, about staying calm and collective and just sticking together.

“I guess getting through all the tough stuff by doing it together. That's the only way out of it.

“I think last year, he sort of admitted to being a bit (stressed) and he didn't really like that.

 “So, I think this year he's really brought a positive attitude.  He's been really good towards us.”

The Cowboys will look to make it three wins in a row when they play the Dragons on Saturday at Jubilee Stadium.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm AEDT.