The NZ Warriors have filled the void left by assistant coach Andrew McFadden's impending departure, signing North Queensland Cowboys' Todd Payten.
McFadden, who spent almost three seasons as the club's head coach, is heading back to Australia at the end of the season.
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Nine.com.au reported the 2005 premiership-winner Payten has signed with the Auckland-based club, with a deal expected to be announced later this week.
The Warriors confirmed that rumour on Wednesday afternoon.
Payten came close to joining the Warriors in 2014 as an assistant to McFadden, but took the job with the Cowboys instead.
Payten, widely regarded in the NRL as a head coach in waiting, will complete a coaching staff consisting of Stephen Kearney, Stacey Jones and Tony Iro.
Head coach Kearney almost let the cat out of the bag yesterday, when questioned on whether the recently sacked Anthony Griffin might head to the club after leaving the Panthers this week.
"No, I can't [consider Griffin]," said Kearney. "That role’s been filled."
Payten made his NRL debut for the Raiders in 1996, followed by stints at the Roosters and Tigers, before retiring in 2011.
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