St George Illawarra are on the verge of securing the services of Scott Drinkwater, who is expected to serve as the long-term replacement for Clint Gutherson, the club’s current fullback. North Queensland has granted Drinkwater early permission to negotiate with other clubs, allowing him to explore opportunities before his contract with the Cowboys expires at the end of next season.
The Cowboys have re-signed Jaxon Purdue until 2030 and are positioning him as their future No.1 fullback. However, they have allowed Drinkwater, who is still under contract until the end of 2026, to pursue options with other teams now rather than waiting until November.
North Queensland is not opposed to Drinkwater remaining with the club, but they are open to him pursuing a long-term deal elsewhere. Despite enjoying his time in Townsville, Drinkwater is reportedly eager to secure a more stable future as a fullback.
Meanwhile, the Dragons are looking for a successor for Gutherson, who has been a key figure for the club. The team had considered signing Trai Fuller for the remainder of the season, but he opted against the move after the Dragons were unwilling to offer him a contract for 2027.
Jahream Bula, who has a mutual option to stay at the Wests Tigers, was also a potential candidate, but the focus has shifted to Drinkwater. Sources close to the situation suggest that a deal between the Dragons and Drinkwater is nearing completion, though there may be some uncertainty regarding the future of coach Shane Flanagan.
The Dragons and Cowboys are both set to play on Friday night, and neither side wants the Drinkwater situation to become a distraction ahead of their games. The Dragons will face Manly at Wollongong, while the Cowboys take on Brisbane at Suncorp.
The development is sensitive for the Dragons, given that Gutherson is the club’s captain and fullback. While he has contributed to the team’s culture, some analysts believe he may need to adapt to keep up with the modern game. With Tyrell Sloan sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the fullback role will be filled by another player for the upcoming match.
In other rugby league news, Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has expressed confidence that Stephen Crichton will return in time for the State of Origin series. Crichton suffered a grade five AC joint injury in his right shoulder during the Bulldogs’ loss to South Sydney and is expected to be out for four to eight weeks.
Bronson Xerri will step in for Crichton at left centre for the Bulldogs’ clash with Penrith. Xerri, who has faced challenges in recent seasons, has shown strong commitment to training and preparation. Ciraldo praised his response to the situation and hopes it marks a turning point in his career.
The Bulldogs have struggled offensively this season, averaging just 17 points per game. They will need to improve against a strong Penrith side, which remains undefeated and has one of the best defenses in the league.
Parramatta captain Mitchell Moses has been cautioned by the NRL for his conduct during a recent match. He approached referee Peter Gough multiple times to contest decisions, leading to a formal warning from the league. While the physical contact was minor, the frequency and manner of his actions raised concerns.
Meanwhile, Broncos star Reece Walsh is facing a six-week absence due to a fractured cheekbone. If he is not fit for Origin I, Wayne Bennett has expressed confidence in Jye Gray as a potential replacement.
In the state of Origin, Laurie Daley is considering options for the centres, with young talent Casey McLean making a strong case for selection. McLean, who has impressed with his performances for Penrith, has shown versatility in playing both right centre and on the wing.
With several key players sidelined, the coming weeks will be crucial for all teams as they prepare for major fixtures and international competitions.
