North Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston says the re-signing of coach Todd Payten until the end of 2026 has set the club up to win a second NRL premiership.
Thurston, who co-captained the Cowboys to their maiden title in 2015, told AAP that 44-year-old Payten had the people skills and rugby league nous to lead the club into a golden era.
When asked what qualities Payten possessed that made him the ideal long-term Cowboys coach, Thurston was emphatic.
"It is the communication skills Toddy has with all his players. They are well aware of what he wants from them individually as players, but more importantly as people as well," Thurston told AAP at Channel Nine's Wide World of Sports NRL launch in Brisbane.
"I truly believe that Toddy believes better people make better players.
"We have seen the emergence of quality young guys in the spine like Scott Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Reece Robson who have stepped up to the plate under Toddy.
"Having recruited the experience of (captain) Chad Townsend and (centre) Peta Hiku has helped those boys."
Payten took the Cowboys from 15th in his first year to third last season. He recently inked a three-year extension.
"It is important to have Toddy there long-term to provide stability at the club, and they need to build on what they achieved last year," he said.
"The young boys have got to learn how to win games now that they are the hunted.
"I think a lot of people thought they surprised everyone last year, but I know within those four walls they were confident in their ability to get where they are.
"Now they can build on that. It is going to be a big year for them."
Fullback Drinkwater wasn't in the top 17 at the start of last year, but after embracing Payten's call to play in the No.1 jersey had his best season and re-signed until the end of 2027.
"Drinky missed the first four rounds, got his opportunity and took it with both hands," Thurston said.
"If our forward pack can stay healthy then what the boys in the spine learned last year will enable them to take the next step and lead them around."
Thurston said the side could "definitely" follow in the footsteps of Penrith and build towards another premiership and consistent standards of excellence.
"We have seen the emergence of young boys who have been in our academy system," Thurston said.
"Second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has just re-signed for four years. (Forward) Heilum Luki is there until 2025 and (winger) Murray Taulagi until 2026.
"There is real stability at the club. They are a tight-knit group that understands it hurts to win. You've got to take yourself to a place that not many people do to get the job done. They are willing to do what it takes."
