"It's crazy": Should Payten be extended beyond this season?

With the Cowboys yet to decide on whether Todd Payten will remain as coach, Denan Kemp and Chad Townsend have discussed whether he should earn an extension.

Coming out of contract this season, Payten was arguably the coach under the most pressure in 2026.

And after losing their first two games to last year's wooden spooners in the Knights and the Tigers, that pressure only intensified.

However, under the 47-year-old, the club has rebounded, having lost only two of their last nine matches, which has seen them in and around the top eight.

Following their improvement on the field in recent weeks, Kemp believes Payten has done enough to earn a contract.

“(The) Cowboys are in such a weird spot because Payten hasn't re-signed for next year,” Kemp said on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“Reports are they're (the club) still hesitant to commit, and it's like, far out.

“(You’re) getting up each week, almost knowing that the board doesn't back you yet, you'd just be like, ‘Far out, what else have I gotta do?’

“I know that he has been a little bit streaky, where he has these moments where it looks like he's all out, and then they go on this run.

“However, I look at Payten, and I think at the very least he probably deserves at least a (one) year extension.

Townsend would share that sentiment, admitting he’s unsure what else Payten has to do.

“It's crazy to be honest,” Townsend added.

“I mean, coaching into Round 12, still no decision yet (or) time frame.

“I think the turnaround speaks for itself, right?

“The past couple of weeks, where the Cowboys are at, with their position on the ladder, what they've done (and) the way that they've played.

“There has absolutely been a reaction there from the Cowboys.

“I'm not sure what the Cowboys football board want to see.

"The way that Todd Payten (has) got this team playing, I've gotta say, I think he deserves the extension.”

The Cowboys will host the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday.

Kick-off takes place 4:05pm AEST with SEN League having live coverage of the match from 2pm across our radio network and on the SEN app.