**North Queensland Cowboys head coach Todd Payten has delivered a candid appraisal of his team’s recent performance, conceding that they “got what we deserved” after suffering their fifth consecutive loss, a disappointing defeat to the Gold Coast Titans. With the Cowboys now languishing in 12th place on the NRL ladder, Payten’s reflections hint at a looming reckoning for the struggling team.**
**In a post-match press conference following the defeat to the Titans, Payten left no room for excuses, asserting that the Cowboys had only themselves to blame for their current predicament.
He highlighted critical errors that led to conceding tries and missed opportunities in attack, leaving the team with an uphill battle in the second half. Despite a valiant effort to claw back into the game, Payten lamented the inability to capitalize on scoring chances, which ultimately sealed their fate.**
**While acknowledging the team’s early-season successes against lesser opponents, Payten was quick to dismiss them as “soft wins,” suggesting they masked underlying deficiencies, particularly in defensive resilience. The coach stressed the need for improvement in defensive mindset and execution, emphasizing that victories are earned through determination and resilience rather than relying solely on talent on paper.**
**As the Cowboys face mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes and salvage their season, Payten’s remarks reflect a sense of urgency and accountability within the team. With their finals hopes hanging in the balance, the coach admitted that turning around their current form presents one of the toughest challenges of his coaching career.**
**Looking ahead, Payten emphasized the importance of unity and hard work in overcoming their struggles, urging his players to fight for victories rather than passively waiting for fortunes to change. With a tough road ahead, the Cowboys must rally together and demonstrate resilience if they are to avoid further disappointment and salvage their season.**
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