[4][5] In 1999, while playing for Centrals, Payne represented the Queensland under-17 team, starting at halfback in a loss to New South Wales.
[9] In 2005, Payne played all 28 games for the Cowboys, including the 2005 NRL Grand Final, in which they lost 16–30 to the Wests Tigers.
The injury occurred in a Round 17 win over the Cronulla Sharks, in which Payne was playing his 150th NRL game.
Payne was a late call-up by All Stars' coach Wayne Bennett for the injured Cameron Smith.
[24] For his contribution to the Cowboys, Payne was awarded a life membership with the club, the fourth person at the time to receive the honour.
[25] In 2014, Payne became the head coach of the Cowboys' Academy program, mentoring players from squads in Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton and Brisbane.
On 21 July 2020, Payne returned to the Cowboys, joining as an assistant coach for the remainder of the 2020 NRL season.