Shocking: NRL current flying star gets real’ after Broncos first collapsed’ closed deal disaster’ as he singles out then CEO for special praise base on current huddle” “I guess they wouldn’t be too disappointed……
Cowboys superstar Scott Drinkwater has revealed he knocked back a bid from the Broncos to secure his services before the Red Hill club recruited Reece Walsh.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Drinkwater’s dream run that inspired North Queensland’s preliminary finals appearance in 2022 was the catalyst for Brisbane’s approach.
During that season, Jamayne Isaako, Tesi Niu, Te Maire Martin, and Selwyn Cobbo were all regulars at fullback for the Broncos, who had a rotating door in the No. 1 shirt.
Drinkwater disclosed that modifications to the club’s managerial structure resulted in the suspension of Brisbane’s strategy.
Then, at that time, Reece Walsh signed a three-year contract with the Broncos after receiving his release from the Warriors. Drinkwater re-signed with the Cowboys eight weeks later.
“It was pretty flattering that a big club like the Broncos would be an option,” Drinkwater said.
“Yes, there was a bit of interest from them. At the time, they had a pretty new CEO and there were changes going on at the club, so the Broncos went on hold for a little bit.
“I guess they wouldn’t be too disappointed at how it’s turned out. They ended up signing Reece Walsh and I signed a new deal with the Cowboys which has turned out great.
“He (Walsh) can shoot the lights out, he’s a great player, so I don’t think the Broncos would be too disappointed with how it’s all played out.”
Drinkwater’s NRL career began at the Storm, before Craig Bellamy allowed him to depart the club after a logjam of talent saw him only feature in first grade once in 2018.
Billy Slater, Ryan Papenhuyze and Jahrome Hughes were all in the Melbourne squad, and when Slater retired Papenhuyzen took over full time.
Hughes then shifted to halfback, leaving Drinkwater potentially to a bench spot or to look elsewhere and the gun No.1 said he was “thankful” Bellamy allowed him to walk.
The Cowboys are now desperate to push for a second NRL premiership, and Drinkwater is a key cog in the North Queensland machine this year.
“Drinky’s elite fitness and aerobic capacity is really impressive,” Todd Payten said.
“His development has seen him make better decisions with the ball within the context of a game. Drinky is vital to what we do. He has been great for us.”
