Things have gone from bad to worse for every footy fan’s second favourite side, the New Zealand Warriors. The old cliché of “it’s not me, it’s you” has reared its ugly head like a cheap prom date. Interim coach Todd Payten has publicly rejected an offer to take the job permanently, leaving the Kiwi NRL franchise in an awkward position for 2021.

Payten rejected the role earlier in the week and then made his decision public, telling NRL media that “it just wasn’t the right opportunity for myself and my family.”

“I had a job interview 14 days ago. I’d been offered the job last Monday and I told the club I’m going to turn it down,” Payten said.

Payten stepped into the Warriors top job for the 2020 season, after Stephen Kearney was sacked from the role. The Warriors have had a tough time during the COVID pandemic. The players have been away from their family or an extended period and a huge injury curse has taken a toll on the club. The refusal for Payten to take the top role has huge ramifications for several out of work coaches in the National Rugby League.