Life after Drinkwater

Looks like Drinky is set to sign with the Dragons. And I’m moderately certain he’s make the move at the end of 2026 (he’s contract thru 2027, but it’s a rarity that something wouldn’t be negotiated around a earlier release). So I think we now need to be thinking about life after Drinkwater.

I do think we’re rather well served in terms of fullback coverage – Purdue is a natural fullback he can drop back from centre (and our centre stocks are solid with Chester, Laybutt & Vailea), and we’ve also got Mason Barber & Ethan King in the pipeline. Drinkwater is also just about to turn 29 – still in his prime, but certainly no longer a kid. I do understand the logic.

 I still though don’t think it a great decision.

Thing is Drinkwater is so much more than a fullback. He’s basically the nexus of our attack. In 2026, he’s 2^nd in the comp for Linebreak assists. 5^th for try assists. So not only is he a massive threat himself, but he creates for the players around him.

And while out defence hasn’t been great for the last few years, our attack has been strong. And that’s due to Drinkwater. Look at 2025 – 4^th for line break assists, 2^nd for try assists. 2024 – 2^nd for line break assists, 2^nd for try assists. He’s a phenomenal attacking weapon.

 And yes, his defence isn’t great. But that’s the nature of fullbacks. Drinkwater has 72% tackle efficiency this season. But Trbojevic only averages 66% tackle efficiency. Reece Walsh 85%. Tedesco 64%. The Hammer 80%. Faalogo 54%. Tracey 77%. Even Dylan Edwards only manages 88%. And considering Drinkwater offers so much high octane attack……

 I also come back to the coaching situation. Todd is obviously OK with the decision to let Drinky walk. But Todd’s current contract only runs the rest of season. I could imagine many coaches would be horrified at the prospect of letting Drinkwater leave. Another reason we need to have the coaching situation resolved sooner rather than later.

 I’ll miss Drinky though. He was a bloody exciting player who provided many a highlight. He also struck me as entirely good human being. I think he’ll excel at the Dragons. They have the best go forward in the comp in 2026, which means Drinky will have time and space running at a back-pedalling defence.