Cowboys coach Todd Payten revealed the club have given permission for Scott Drinkwater to speak to rival clubs after his match-winning efforts in the win over the Brisbane Broncos. This comes as former Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend tipped the Sharks as the ideal destination for Drinkwater even though the Dragons are interested.
All eyes were Drinkwater ahead of the clash against Brisbane with reports suggesting the fullback could be on the move shortly with the Dragons targeting the star. And Drinkwater slotted a defining field goal and helped his team to win 35-31 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night to
Cowboys coach Todd Payten revealed the club have given permission for Scott Drinkwater to speak to rival clubs with Chad Townsend tipping the Sharks as the ideal destination. (Getty Images)
Both Drinkwater and Jaxon Purdue were too strong for a depleted Broncos outfit and Dragons fans watching might have got excited with the fullback heavily linked to a move to Wollongong. Clint Gutherson has been under pressure to start the season with suggestions the Dragons are keen to bring another fullback to the club. Drinkwater is contracted until the end of the 2027 season.
However, reports emerged the Cowboys had given Drinkwater permission to speak to rival clubs. This came after the Cowboys re-signed Purdue on a four-year deal. And Payten confirmed the reports and praised Drinkwater’s class to focus on the game after all the headlines.
“First of all, I would like to acknowledge how well he has handled the last 48 hours,” Payten said after the win. I was hopeful it wasn’t going to break until after the game so it wasn’t a distraction in his 150th game. “The way he handled that and the way he played is a credit to him.”
Drinkwater showed the Dragons what he could add to the team next year with the No.1 slicing through the Broncos defence on a number of occasions. While Drinkwater is no certainty to leave, the Cowboys appear willing to let the fullback go if he can seal a long-term deal.
Purdue would most likely slot into the No.1 jersey with many tipping him as the future fullback. And while Dragons fans might be getting excited, former teammate Townsend has suggested the Sharks could also be eyeing the No.1.
Scott Drinkwater (pictured) has been linked to the Dragons, Bears and potentially the Sharks.
(Chris Hyde via Getty Images)Could the Cronulla Sharks swoop on Scott Drinkwater?
Speaking about possible destinations for Drinkwater, former teammate Townsend had a different club in mind than the Dragons. While the Dragons appear to have placed a target on the fullback, Townsend feels the Sharks could be better suited for the dynamic 29-year-old.
“I think he could fit in the Sharks, to be honest,” Townsend said on SEN Radio on Saturday. “Obviously, there’s rumours circling around the Dragons (and) that they’re going after him pretty hard. Regardless (of) whoever gets him, you’re going to get a guy who’s just played his 150th game. He’s a mature footballer now, playing probably some of the best football of his career. I think he’d be a great fit at the Sharkies.”
The Sharks recently re-signed fullback Will Kennedy on a one-year deal for the 2026 season. This means they could make a play for a fullback next year. There has also been speculation they would be in the market for a big signing with a number of their players also coming off contract. While Kennedy has faced pressure to keep his No.1 jersey, the fullback has been in sensational form to start the season having just scored two tries against the Warriors last week.
The Perth Bears also have plenty of cash left in their salary cap. While they have signed Nick Meaney, who was believed to be their fullback, Drinkwater could be offered a huge salary to take the role in Perth.
Scott Drinkwater (pictured) could be on the move next season.
(Ian Hitchcock via Getty Images)