Cowboys coach Todd Payten has delivered a blunt message to some of his misfiring players, brushing off suggestions that fatigue played a role in their round 20 loss.
With six defeats in their past seven outings, pressure is mounting on Payten to turn things around in a hurry after Thursday night’s 43-24 loss against the Dolphins.
The hosts ran in seven tries at Suncorp Stadium, with the defensive efforts from the Cowboys described as “not up to scratch” by league great Cameron Smith.
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Coen Hess looks on during the round 20 loss Getty
There were no arguments from Payten in his post-game press conference, where he cut a dejected figure as the Townsville-based outfit slumped further down the ladder.
“Very disappointing, conceding the points that we did in that first 40,” he said.
“It put us under far too much pressure, and it was too much to chase down.
“Just on different pages at different moments, and it was really costly. When guys aren’t getting their job done … they are pouring through us and they become costly.”
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Payten’s men put up a hell of a fight last weekend against the Bulldogs, falling to the premiership heavyweights 12-8 in a tough, gritty affair.
But the coach was in no mood to make excuses when asked if fatigue played a factor, pointing out the efforts of captain and halfback Tom Dearden over the past eight days.
Todd Payten and Tom Dearden front the media after round 20 Nine
“No,” Payten replied.
“He’s played three games in eight days, and he’s at the forefront of everything we’re doing. If anyone is gonna be tired, it’s this bloke – not the 14 others.”
Dearden starred for the Maroons in the State of Origin decider last Wednesday, before backing up on Saturday night against the Dogs and on Thursday against the Dolphins.
Speaking to Nine post-game, Dearden admitted things were “slipping away” for his side.
“It was a really poor first half,” he said.
“We are making it way too easy for teams with some of our decisions. In that second half, we were chasing the game, and it came off for us, but we were way too far behind.
“We’ve got to get back to the drawing board and really fix it up. It’s disappointing and we’ve got to fix it really quickly, because the season is slipping away from us.”
Payten acknowledged the recent run of losses and the fact that North Queensland are at long odds to play finals football will only increase speculation regarding his own future.
“It’s part of the business, I’m understanding of that,” he said.
“I’ve got to a point where I don’t give that any energy. It hasn’t always been the case, but through experience, my focus goes into getting this team right.
“When I’m away from here, I’m getting better at being more present with my family.
“That’s my two focuses at the moment, and that won’t change.”
The struggling Cowboys will take on the Dragons next week in a must-win clash, with Murray Taulagi (hamstring) and Thomas Mikaele (knee) both set to be sidelined.
