The Storm have made 11 changes to the side that wrapped up the minor premiership last week, while keeping big guns Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster in the team for Thursday night's clash in Townsville.
The Cowboys welcome back 2015 premiership-winning prop Jason Taumalolo from a fractured cheek and Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai from concussion protocols.
Payten made it clear Melbourne were a great club, no matter the personnel in the side, ahead of a clash that has massive finals implications for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys are in sixth position on 32 points, one ahead of Manly. A win over the Storm will go a long way towards securing a home final
"We spoke as a group that who is playing for them is irrelevant," Payten said.
"They are sitting three wins clear at the top of the competition after 26 rounds and have played the bulk of the season without Munster and Papenhuyzen.
"They are going to pay the physical toll to get a win, as they have for a number of years, so it doesn't matter who is playing.Â
"What the Storm have done over a long period of time is that when they are perceived to be on the back foot, their more senior players step up.
"It is about what we do and what we are playing for and making sure we are playing our type of footy moving into September."
"We don't give Storm jumpers away, they deserve them"— Melbourne Storm (@storm) Hear from Craig ahead of RD 26 🎬@HostPlusAugust 28, 2024
The Storm have rested the bulk of their top squad for the match, mostly because they have secured top spot and the fixture was scheduled just five days after their 48-6 win over the Dolphins. Payten said he would have done the same thing if he was in the Storm's position.Â
Storm trio Keagan Russell-Smith, Tristan Powell and Ativalu Lisati are listed to make their NRL debuts from the bench.
Payten said Nanai was a key inclusion after missing a week with concussion and then enjoying a further week off to recover with last round's bye.
Taumalolo last played in the round-21 win over Cronulla when he fractured his cheek.
"Jase was able to run in all but one of those weeks he had out and hasn't lost a lot of condition," Payten said.
"Both of those guys make us a better team. Jase is great through the middle and a calming influence. Jeremiah is a steady body on that right edge and makes the guys feel safer and more comfortable with how they defend around him."
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