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Sport Nation
“Absolutely obliterated”: Parker calls for more accountability from Payten after Cowboys' Round 1 horror show
Charles Goodsir • March 10th, 2025 12:40 pm
SENQ’s Corey Parker has launched a scathing critique on North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten following his side’s 42-12 loss in Round 1 to the Manly Sea Eagles.
Manly opened their 2025 campaign with three tries in the first nine minutes and the Cowboys were never in the contest. Scott Drinkwater ended a run of 42 unanswered points with the Cowboy’s first of their two tries in the 72nd minute.
Whilst Parker acknowledged the players were also at fault, he placed the blame squarely on Payten who he believes failed to inspire his side to perform in their opening clash of the season.
“They were absolutely obliterated,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.
“They were blown off the park and the coach asked his players in the press conference after the game to have a look at their preparation.
“This is Round 1 of a 27-round season. The head coach is talking about how his team isn’t physically or mentally prepared enough.
“They’ve had three months of preparation. This is where you should be jumping out of your skin to go and play a game of rugby league.
“To dish up what they did was unacceptable. They did not turn up.
“The coach has to scratch his head, put his hand up and take some ownership. The players have to take accountability but Todd Payten has to have his team (ready).
“They did not turn up (and) you would think that after three months of pre-season training, you would turn up with a different mindset and attitude.
“It was absolute rubbish for what they can do.”
Despite the poor loss, SEN’s Greg Alexander was more optimistic about the Cowboys’ chances in 2025.
“It was 16-0 after 10 minutes. The game was done,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The Cowboys were spectators and they just watched it happen.
“I got to the end of the game and I thought, were the Cowboys really that bad or were Manly really good?
“I think the Cowboys still have a bit left in them. I’m willing to give them another go.”
The Cowboys return to Townsville in Round 2 and host the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday night.
