The Cowboys are hoping to snap a horror three-game winless start to the NRL season in Saturday's clash with the Raiders, who have produced a mixed bag of results.
The Raiders have spent the week training in far north Queensland as they look to rebound from their first loss of the year - an ugly 40-12 thumping by Manly.
Payten's team turned in an improved performance in their defeat against Brisbane, with the coach saying he was spending extra time ensuring each player remained "calm and connected and confident".
"It's been a challenging little period for us," he said.
"I've spent more time out of the office this week than any other week, just being down on the ground and making sure I'm checking in with each individual.
"I can't fault the morale amongst the group, I can't fault the care and I can't fault the ambition to get it going the other way."
Canberra captain Joe Tapine will return from suspension and Payten expected the hard-running prop to lead the charge in attack, along with front-row partner Josh Papalii.
They will be met by Jason Taumalolo, who was among the Cowboys' best against Brisbane in his NRL return following a foot injury.
"It's going to be led by their two front-rowers - Tapine, Papalii are really strong, Corey Horsburgh, so they're coming through the middle of the field," Payten said.
"They've proved that in the first couple of wins that they had against the Warriors and the Broncos, and we expect no different tomorrow so, yeah, we'll be ready."
Payten said he expected Canberra coach Ricky Stuart to have turned the screws on his team after their disappointing performance last round.
"I know Sticky (Stuart), he'll have them fired up and probably been in them a little bit early in the week but, you know, it is what it is.
"I don't think the players need motivation, whether they've won or lost from week to week."
Meanwhile, fullback Scott Drinkwater will be available for the match after his wife Oshah gave birth to their second daughter.
The Cowboys have had a mini baby boom, with John Bateman celebrating the arrival of his second son with wife Amy just before the Broncos match last week.
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