Scott Drinkwater has no plans to depart the Cowboys earlier than 2027, despite his name being thrown into the NRL merry-go-round in recent weeks.
The future of Drinkwater has been in the spotlight this season, with the club’s latest move to secure young gun Jaxon Purdue on a four-year deal only amplifying the noise around what the Cowboys may do with their star fullback.
Purdue is seen as one of the game’s fastest-rising stars and has been touted as a future State of Origin player since making his debut last year.
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Jaxon Purdue scores against the Dragons. Getty
The 20-year-old was off contract at the end of this season and had attracted interest from rival clubs, but has opted to remain with the Cowboys until the end of 2030.
News Corp reports the extension is worth an estimated $3 million over the four years.
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But it is Purdue’s ability to cover halves and fullback that has led many to believe the expectation is he will fill one of those roles long-term.
Cowboys captain Tom Dearden isn’t going anywhere and will be the halfback for years to come, while Jake Clifford is off contract at the end of 2026 but is in strong form.
Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden. NRL Imagery
That brings to question the future of Drinkwater, who has been heavily linked with a surprise move to the Dragons.
“I’ve been linked to a few places, haven’t I?” Drinkwater laughed when asked what his future may look like on 2GB’s Wide Wide of Sports on Wednesday night.
“I guess it is my turn to be in the NRL merry-go-round.
“At this point, I am here until 2027. No one has come to me and told me anything, so … we will just have to see what happens.
“If I keep playing good footy, I don’t see the Cowboys wanting to let me go. But that is for the future, I guess.”
Nine’s Danny Weidler confirmed on social media that Drinkwater remained a target for the struggling Dragons, especially after Trai Fuller knocked back the club.
Drinkwater will become a free agent from November 1 this year, but there is always a chance North Queensland could offload him earlier.
St George Illawarra have also been linked with a play for Jahream Bula, who is weighing up his future at Wests Tigers and an option for next season.
Tyrell Sloan will wear the No.1 jumper for the Red V this weekend with Clint Gutherson sidelined due to a hamstring injury for the next month.
As for Drinkwater, he will line up with the Cowboys against the Broncos on Friday.