BY STAFF WRITERS

The Wests Tigers have shut down rumours coach Michael Maguire has been linked to the vacant role at the North Queensland Cowboys.

“We heard the talk and Justin met with Michael straight away,” Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“From our discussions with Michael, he has assured us that he won’t be tendering any offers or expressions of interest from other clubs during the course of his tenure with the Wests Tigers.

“He’s a quality person and he’s given us his word, so I take him on that. We have absolutely no concerns whatsoever with all the scuttlebutt.”

Meanwhile former Wests Tigers premiership-winner and interim Warriors coach Todd Payten has revealed he turned down the full-time role in Auckland and has an eye on Paul Green’s spot in Townsville.

“My wife’s father just started chemotherapy,” Payten told Fox Sports’ NRL 360.

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“That was at the forefront of our mind. Obviously, with the COVID thing, for her to travel back and forth is very, very difficult. That was a big part of it. That’s my decision and I’ve made it. It was tough for everyone. The club was shocked and disappointed.

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“Moving forward, my focus is on getting the side prepared from week to week. There’s another opportunity that’s on the table – that is the Cowboys. I’m not in any process at the moment, they’re just aware of my interest.”