North Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston says the re-signing of coach Todd Payten until the end of 2026 has set up the club to win a second NRL premiership.

Thurston, who co-captained the Cowboys to their maiden title in 2015, said 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.

“[Recruiting] 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.