If the Wests Tigers don't come knocking for Cowboys assistant Todd Payten, North Queensland coach Paul Green is adamant it will only be a matter of time before another NRL club does.
But Green says Payten is happy to remain at North Queensland despite being thrown into the mix for the Wests Tigers head coach gig.
Former Tigers forward Payten is believed to be a contender to replace sacked coach Jason Taylor along with hot favourite Ivan Cleary, Des Hasler and interim mentor Andrew Webster.
"Todd's indicated right from the start that one day he'd like to be a head coach," Green said.
"He's played there so there probably is some interest.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"At this stage, he's said he's pretty happy being where he is. That may change down the track."
Green said even if the Wests Tigers job does not transpire he expected an NRL club to pursue Payten at some stage.
"They are tough jobs to get so you have to look at any opportunity that comes up," he said.
"If that doesn't arise for him now, I'm sure it will down the track.
"He's a good coach with a good future."
But Green warned: "When you get a chance, you've got to be ready for it.
"Wherever you go has to be set up for success.
"There's a lot of things that come into it when you're talking about success as a club.
"He's got to make sure it's right on a number of levels."
A member of the Wests Tigers' 2005 premiership side, Payten also coached the club's under-20s for two years before becoming the NRL side's assistant coach in 2014.
The next year he joined Green's Cowboys staff with immediate success, sharing in their maiden premiership glory.
It is understood Payten is a popular choice with the Wests Tigers players and captain Aaron Woods spoke in glowing terms of the contender.
"I know Toddy. I played with him in my first year and got along with him really well," Woods told Fox Sports.
"But it is a hard decision for me to make.
"I am captain of the club but it comes down to a decision by the board and the CEO."
