'Have a think': Cowboys coach Todd Payten's ultimatum to players after shock thrashing
Cowboys coach Todd Payten has given his players an ultimatum after the club's embarrassing start to the season against Manly.
The North Queensland side was thoroughly outplayed at Brookvale Oval, with the Sea Eagles running in three tries in the first 10 minutes.
The blowout continued with Manly finishing 42-12 winners.
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Speaking post-match, Payten was critical of certain players' preparation for their season opener.
"I spoke about some of our individuals being off the mark," he said in his press conference when asked about his closing message to the team.
Todd Payten during his press conference. Nine
"I asked them to have a think about their prep, physically and mentally. Even asked a question that I didn't need an answer for straight away but we'll talk about that tomorrow.
"I just told them to be ready to work when we come back to work through the week, put our heads down and stay together."
Payten wasn't willing to elaborate on what that question was, stating it would be discussed in the review.
In terms of statistics, the first half for the Cowboys was damning. Manly dominated the possession with North Queensland hardly able to form an attacking set.
At one stage in the first half, the Cowboys completed 142 tackles to Manly's 54.
"They are crazy numbers," Greg Alexander said in commentary for Fox League.
Payten put the onus on his side's discipline as a result.
"We gave away some dumb penalties and possession for the first 30 minutes was 70 per cent to them and 30 per cent to us," he said.
"At half-time we did a 100 more tackles ... we were unable to find any rhythm or build any pressure."
The Cowboys play the Sharks next week at Townsville on Saturday.
