Fullback Scott Drinkwater has doubled down on his commitment to the North Queensland Cowboys after a report emerged he might be unsettled at the NRL club. Drinkwater was at the centre of reports his future at the Cowboys isn’t secured beyond his current deal and it could trigger some movement.
The fullback has been a mainstay in the No.1 jersey for the Cowboys since 2019 and recorded 24 try assists in the 2025 season. This was the second most try assists for any player, second only to Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh. But the 28-year-old felt he needed to clarify rumours about his movements after the arrival of young star Ethan King.
Scott Drinkwater (pictured) has moved to shut down reports he will be leaving the Cowboys. (Images: Getty Images)
Drinkwater is contracted to the Cowboys until the end of 2027. Riccio claimed his future in North Queensland isn’t guaranteed and the fullback could could use this as leverage if he wanted to leave early.
“Scott Drinkwater’s future beyond his current deal isn’t secure,” reporter Riccio said on the Code Sports Podcast. “When you hear that, it means there might be some leverage or mediation potentially about Scotty getting out of that contract at the Cowboys earlier than what it actually runs for.”
Speaking on Tuesday, former teammate Chad Townsend asked Drinkwater if there was anything in the reports. And the Cowboys fullback was quick to shut down the rumours and claimed he had no intention of leaving before the end of his 2027 deal.
“It’s just a bit of another day in the rugby league world,” Drinkwater told SEN Radio. “The article said something like my current position’s not secure past my current deal or something. No one’s position is really secure once your contract’s up.
“It’s all just a bit of talk here, talk there. I’ve heard nothing from the club. I haven’t gone and asked for anything. I’ll put it to bed and say that I’m going nowhere for 2026, and I want to be here for 2027 as well.”
Scott Drinkwater (pictured) has confirmed his commitment to the Cowboys amid speculation.
Scott Drinkwater gives insight into fresh Cowboys talent
Drinkwater and his Cowboys are back at pre-season, but up in North Queensland the hot weather in November and December means training at different times of the day to avoid the soaring temperatures. But Drinkwater said young playmaker Liam Sutton has made an impression in pre-season already, while former James Tedesco understudy King – who is a fullback – has shown his class.
“We got a few boys. I have really liked what a guy called Liam Sutton is doing at the moment….he has a good head on his shoulder. He talks very well. He is a half/five-eighth. He leads the boys around the park really well, has shown pretty good leadership and is fit,” Drinkwater added.
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“Ethan King, who has worked under Tedesco, he has come in and is sharp on his feet…he is another guy who has come in and whatever role he been given he goes at it full throttle. Them two, obviously being a fullback, in the spine I have been watching a bit more than the others.”