Auckland City and Waitakere United Born in
Auckland, Payne attended
Sacred Heart College and started his youth career with
ASB Premiership club
Auckland City FC before switching to play for rivals
Waitakere United. Payne played a major role in Waitakere United's success in the ASB National Youth League in 2010.
Blackburn Rovers 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. Days after celebrating his 18th birthday Payne signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Rovers in January 2012. Due to work permit issues that prevented him from playing for Rovers, he was released at the end of his contract.
Wellington Phoenix In July 2019, Payne signed a one-year contract with
A-League side
Wellington Phoenix. On 3 January 2020, it was announced that Payne had signed a two-year contract extension with the Phoenix. 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. He was subsequently ordered by the court to pay a AUS$700 fine. On 17 December 2024, Payne signed a new three-year contract with the Phoenix, until the end of the 2027–28 season. ==International career==