PAYNE SIGNS ON FOR 2012

Toyota Cowboys hooker Aaron Payne will have the chance to become the third North Queensland player to reach the 200 NRL games mark after signing a new one-year contract with the club today.

The 28-year-old took his career tally to 194 games by playing 23 matches this season and he will move past Paul Bowman into second position for most appearances by a Cowboy if he plays 10 matches in 2012.

A two-time Player of the Year winner with the Cowboys, Payne said staying with North Queensland was always his number one option and both he, and the club, have not ruled out continuing his NRL career past next season.