League: Warriors sign Cowboys assistant coach Todd Payten

Cowboys and former Wests Tigers assistant coach Todd Payten has reportedly signed with the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.

The Warriors have signed highly-regarded Todd Payten as an NRL assistant coach from next season.

Payten is currently serving as an assistant coach at North Queensland but will join the Warriors on a three-year contract as a replacement for Andrew McFadden who will to return to Australia with his family at the end of the season after six years with the Warriors.

The 39-year-old has also previously worked as an assistant coach at Wests Tigers and will continue his development under Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney and alongside fellow assistants Stacey Jones and Tony Iro.

"Todd's a young coach who has made a great impression and we're really excited about having him on board from next season," said Kearney.

"While replacing Cappy wasn't going to be easy after the wonderful contribution he has made to our club, we've been extremely fortunate to secure Todd.

"After a long playing career, he moved straight into coaching and has quickly established himself at NRL level."

Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith is confident Payten's experience on both sides of the clipboard will make him a welcome addition to the club's coaching staff.

"Todd has served a great apprenticeship as a player and coach at very good clubs and has experienced grand final success as both a player and a coach," said Smith.

"He'll provide great support to Stephen alongside Stacey and Tony."

Payten's playing career began in 1996 with the Raiders, before stints with the Roosters and Wests Tigers, prior to his retirement after 259 appearances in 2011.

The following season he enjoyed immediate success as a head coach after steering the joint venture club's under 20s team to a NYC title win.

He coached the side again in 2013 before being promoted to an assistant role under former Tigers NRL head coach Michael Potter in 2014, and both seasons also coached the New South Wales under-18s to victory over Queensland.

Payten was previously linked to a move to the Warriors coaching staff in 2014, before he accepted a job as coach of the Cowboys NYC side and assistant to NRL head coach Paul Green. He was a member of the coaching staff for the Cowboys' 2015 NRL grand final win over Brisbane.

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