And next season the 35-year-old father-of-two will achieve a career milestone.

After stints coaching Seagulls juniors, under 19s, reserves and currently assistant in first grade, Payne has been appointed to the top job for 2020.

"It's a massive honour and a massive privilege," Payne told the Newcastle Herald.

"Ever since I started coaching it's all I've ever wanted to do, coach Lakes first grade."

The former Lakes first grade five-eighth and Seagulls life member will take over from Lyndon Sheppard, who stepped up from reserves to fill the void left by the departure of Glenn Agland (work commitments) after round three.

Club officials said they had five applicants after opting to advertise the position at the end of last month. One source said Payne was "keen as mustard".

Payne, who also coached with the Newcastle Knights junior development squads from 2015 to 2018, has wasted little time assembling his off-field team at Cahill Oval with Craig Kimmorley his assistant.

The mentor-in-waiting said he wanted to continue fostering the club's "strong junior base".

PHOTOS: Central make it four on the bounce by beating Lakes

Payne will be at Maitland on Saturday when Lakes travel to tackle the Pickers in the final round of the season, unable to make the semis and trying to avoid the wooden spoon, but before watching firsts he will lace up the boots in open grade.

"I've been back helping out because they were a bit short," he said.