And having finished top of the pile last season - despite losing the RaboDirect PRO12 final to Leinster - Payne admits it's all hands to the pump as the campaign draws to a close.
"Last year we were lucky enough to have a bit of a buffer but now we can't slip up if we're going to stay in touch," Payne, who will start against Treviso on Sunday, told the Belfast Telegraph.
"It's definitely a bit different at this time of year when you have a batch of young guys coming into the squad to replace the internationals.
"As one of the older heads I just have to get on the ball a bit more and encourage these guys to show the talent that they have.
"Treviso had a bit of a setback last week (in a loss to Ospreys) and they'll be hurting so everyone will need to be on their toes."
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