{"id":1538,"date":"2026-09-20T20:10:29","date_gmt":"2026-09-20T20:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportprocess.co.uk\/?p=1538"},"modified":"2026-09-20T20:16:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T20:16:31","slug":"1538","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportprocess.co.uk\/?p=1538","title":{"rendered":"North Queensland Cowboys head coach Todd Payten has continued to place strong emphasis on leadership as the"},"content":{"rendered":"
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North Queensland Cowboys head coach Todd Payten has continued to place strong emphasis on leadership as the club prepares for the 2026 NRL season. The Cowboys entered the season with Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden serving as co-captains, providing a shared leadership structure for the team.<\/p>\n

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Cotter and Dearden were named together as the club\u2019s leaders and were included in North Queensland\u2019s 22-man touring squad for the opening-round clash against the Newcastle Knights in Las Vegas. Their appointment reflects the importance of having experienced voices guiding the squad both on and off the field.<\/p>\n

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Under Payten, the Cowboys have continued developing a culture built around accountability, teamwork and consistency. Cotter, known for his work rate and leadership in the middle of the field, and Dearden, an important figure in the Cowboys\u2019 spine, provide complementary styles of leadership.<\/p>\n

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The decision to maintain co-captains gives North Queensland two prominent figures responsible for representing the team and supporting younger players throughout the season. Their leadership will be particularly important as the Cowboys aim to build on their performances and maintain consistency across the long NRL campaign.<\/p>\n

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With Payten overseeing the team, Cotter and Dearden will play central roles in setting standards within the playing group and helping the Cowboys pursue their goals throughout the 2026 season.<\/p>\n\n

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  North Queensland Cowboys head coach Todd Payten has continued to place strong emphasis on leadership as the club prepares for the 2026 NRL season. 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