North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten says rumours of unrest between him and skipper Jason Taumalolo are “rather amusing” as his side prepares for a clash with Canberra and his former mentor Ricky Stuart.

Reports of a feud between the pair have come and gone since round one 2021, when Payten singled out his captain Taumalolo for a lack of effort in the season-opener against Penrith – the coach’s first game at the helm.

The pair have both acknowledged that situation could’ve been better dealt with, but 12 months on and after a disappointing opening loss to Canterbury, Payten dismissed rumours of a rift and insisted the “noise” will stop when the Cowboys start firing again.

“There’s no pressure felt by Jason, I or the club, it’s almost at the point where we’re laughing with each other,” Payten told reporters on Friday.

“I’ve addressed, and so has Jason, on numerous occasions around our relationship and there’s no rift.

“All that noise will stop when we win.”

Former premiership-winning Cowboy Gavin Cooper echoed Payten’s comments, saying it’s part and parcel of the rugby league media cycle.

“The reason it comes back on the rumour mill is because we’ve lost again and we didn’t play well,” Cooper told Triple M.

“So then the people down south don’t have anything good to say about what’s happening up here in the north.”

Payten also downplayed links to Manly enforcer Marty Taupau who’s been touted for a potential move north when his contract ends after this season. 

“That’s another one I find a little amusing. We were approached last year and we gave his management the same answer each time,” the Cowboys coach said. 

Payten’s respect for Stuart

Mustering just four points in round one, the Cowboys will have their work cut-out for them when a confident Raiders outfit fly north fresh off a scintillating 24-19 victory over Cronulla. 

Coming up against his former coach, Payten said Stuart’s competitive nature and honesty were traits he’d picked up and he hopes his side can repeat their success against the Raiders last season.

“I’ve learnt quite a bit from Ricky as a player and a coach,” Payten said.

“I have a huge amount of respect for Ricky and what he’s done in the game…would love to get another win like we did last year up here.”

Reuben Cotter (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Cowboys for a second straight week, with Jordan McLean coming in to replace Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (knee) and Coen Hess into the starting side shifting Mitch Dunn to the bench.