'Not going to be here': Payten shuts down Brooks rumours

Cowboys coach Todd Payten has ruled out a play for off-contract halfback Luke Brooks and reaffirmed his commitment to Chad Townsend for 2024. 

Last week Brooks informed the Wests Tigers that he was rejecting their contract extension offer, which Wests Tigers chairman Leo Hagipantelis called "fair market value” in an interview with SEN 1170, and he will now test the market after 11 seasons with the joint venture. 

At the same time the Cowboys' current No.7, Chad Townsend, who is contracted until the end of 2024, had been linked to a move away, further fueling the prospect of Payten reuniting with Brooks, who he coached for several while at the Wests Tigers. 

But while open about his admiration for the 28-year-old, Payten shut down the prospect of Brooks joining the Cowboys and confirmed Townsend would remain at the club beyond this year. 

"I will say this about Luke Brooks. I have got a high opinion of him as a player and I think the way that he has handled himself over the past several years, with the media scrutiny on top of him, shows great mental fortitude," Payten said. 

His best footy is still in front of him. Wherever he ends up the club is going to be in good shape, but it's just not going to be here.

Todd Payten

"I approached Chad a number of weeks ago about whether he was homesick and he told me then that he is really settled.

"I gave him my backing as coach of this club that he is not going anywhere."

It comes as the Cowboys prepare for a likely roster overhaul, with 13 of their top 30 squad currently without a deal beyond this season.

The club however has been boosted by news that assistant coach Dean Young will remain on Payten's staff, after he was overlooked for the vacant Dragons head coaching job in favour of Shane Flanagan.

While disappointed for Young, who he said is "absolutely" a future head coach, Payten confirmed plans are now in place to offer him a contract extension. 

North Queensland head into Friday night's clash against the Panthers on the back of a bye last week, which followed their best performance of the year in a 45-20 victory over the Storm.

Each with five players missing this week on Origin duty, the two clubs are the most impacted by representative selection in Round 16, but Payten said the Panthers are set up to handle such periods better than most.