North Queensland co-captain Jason Taumalolo says coach Todd Payten was right to single him out after their round one loss to Penrith.
The Cowboys lock, who's been placed on minute restrictions in their games, was singled out by Payten citing his effort in defence.
Taumalolo is expected to miss a month of footy after fracturing his hand at training on Thursday.
He says he doesn't need surgery and agrees with Payten that he can improve in a number of areas.
"I think it's good to see him challenge me," Taumalolo said.
"What he (Payten) said was right. I could be better in a lot of different areas and I still need to work on that.
"It's great that Todd is honest and it's good and even better that players can be honest with him too.
"I think that it's good that Todd puts a lot more accountability on other players around me so when they do go out on the field, everyone's accountable.
"I'm happy with the minutes given and hopefully that puts more responsibility on everyone else."
