Payne played a major role in Waitakere United's success in the ASB National Youth League in 2010.

[4] After impressing at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup Payne trialed with Premier League side Blackburn Rovers and then spent several months training at the club.

[8] On 10 June, Payne pleaded guilty to a drink-driving charge after a shirtless late-night joy ride in a golf cart in Sydney while the team was supposed to be in self-isolation.

In May 2012 Payne received a call-up from Ricki Herbert to the senior national team alongside fellow youngster and U-17 teammate Cameron Howieson.

[11] He made his first appearance in a 1–0 win against Honduras on 26 May 2012, coming on as a substitute for Leo Bertos and playing the final 15 minutes of the match.