Cowboys coach Todd Payten has delivered a blunt message to a few of his misfiring gamers, disregarding recommendations that fatigue performed a task of their spherical 20 loss.
With six defeats of their previous seven outings, strain is mounting on Payten to show issues round in a rush after Thursday night time’s 43-24 loss towards 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 seems to be on throughout the spherical 20 loss Getty
There have been no arguments from Payten in his post-game press convention, the place he lower a dejected determine because the Townsville-based outfit slumped additional down the ladder.
“Very disappointing, conceding the factors that we did in that first 40,” he stated.
“It put us beneath far an excessive amount of strain, and it was an excessive amount of to chase down.
“Simply on totally different pages at totally different moments, and it was actually pricey. When guys don’t get their job accomplished … they’re pouring by way of us they usually turn out to be pricey.”
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Payten’s males put up a hell of a struggle final weekend towards the Bulldogs, falling to the premiership heavyweights 12-8 in a tricky, gritty affair.
However the coach was in no temper to make excuses when requested if fatigue performed an element, declaring the efforts of captain and halfback Tom Dearden over the previous eight days.
Todd Payten and Tom Dearden entrance the media after spherical 20 9
“No,” Payten replied.
“He is performed three video games in eight days, and he is on the forefront of every thing we’re doing. If anybody is gonna be drained, it is this bloke – not the 14 others.”
Dearden starred for the Maroons within the State of Origin decider final Wednesday, earlier than backing up on Saturday night time towards the Canine and on Thursday towards the Dolphins.
Chatting with 9 post-game, Dearden admitted issues had been “slipping away” for his facet.
“It was a extremely poor first half,” he stated.
“We’re making it manner too straightforward for groups with a few of our choices. In that second half, we had been chasing the sport, and it got here off for us, however we had been manner too far behind.
“We have to get again to the drafting board and actually repair it up. It is disappointing and we have to repair it actually shortly, as a result of the season is slipping away from us.”
Payten acknowledged the latest run of losses and the truth that North Queensland are at lengthy odds to play finals soccer will solely enhance hypothesis concerning his personal future.
“It is a part of the enterprise, I am understanding of that,” he stated.
“I’ve received to a degree the place I do not give that any power. It hasn’t at all times been the case, however by way of expertise, my focus goes into getting this crew proper.
“After I’m away from right here, I am getting higher at being extra current with my household.
“That is my two focuses in the mean time, and that will not change.”
The struggling Cowboys will tackle the Dragons subsequent week in a must-win conflict, with Murray Taulagi (hamstring) and Thomas Mikaele (knee) each set to be sidelined.
