‘It’s his jersey’: In form Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater rejects NSW Origin speculation
Scott Drinkwater is currently one of the form players in the NRL but he insists James Tedesco is still the man to lead New South Wales into Origin III.
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Scott Drinkwater is currently one of the form players in the NRL but he insists James Tedesco is still the man to lead New South Wales into Origin III.
Drinkwater scored two tries and assisted five more on Saturday when North Queensland demolished Wests Tigers 74-0 while also providing four linebreak assists, a linebreak and three tackle busts.
The red-hot fullback rejected speculation he could oust the Blues captain, but said it was a dream for the livelong ‘footy nerd’ to represent his state.
“I’d love to wear sky blue. That jersey is definitely a goal of mine but I don’t think it’ll happen this year,” Drinkwater said.
“I think Tedesco deserves the respect and it’s his jersey, and he deserves a lot more respect than he’s getting.
“You don’t get to this level without being confident and backing yourself, and that level (Origin) is another step up but I feel like you’re playing with the best players so you wouldn’t have to overplay your hand and I’d back myself to go to the next level if I’m picked.”
Drinkwater’s close mate and Cowboys co-captain Chad Townsend revealed the pair had discussed the fullback’s hunger to play for the Blues.
“Drinky is in the form of his life and he would have definitely add x-factor and flair to a Blues side who would need to score some points (in Game III),” Townsend said.
“It’s probably not at the forefront of his mind but … he’s trending toward that level.
“His performances this season have been phenomenal. If he continues to go down this track he would not look out of place at that next level.
“His speed, skill, passing, kicking, vision; it’s up there with the best in the game.”
Growing up in New South Wales, Drinkwater said State of Origin was always his favourite time of the year.
“Every year in June and July I’d love coming home Wednesday afternoon and watching the Blues and Maroons,” Drinkwater said.
“I was born into a rugby league loving family with two older brothers playing, so I was at the footy every weekend and I just loved it. I still love it and hardly miss a game, my fiance sometimes gets the craps with me because I don’t want to do anything because I want to watch all of the Saturday games, so I’m a footy nerd and born to be around rugby league.”
The other player at the centre of the Cowboys recent dominance is five-eighth Tom Dearden, who was named best on field on Saturday.
With Reece Walsh sidelined for game three, Drinkwater had some advice for Maroons coach Billy Slater.
“Billy has a few options there at fullback. I think the way Billy speaks and coaches, he picks blokes who deserve it and earn it, and Tommy (Dearden) definitely deserves and earns a jersey,” Drinkwater said.
“He did a great job running game three last year with the series on the line. Tommy Dearden, he’s a Queenslander through and through – he didn’t let the jersey down last year and I’m sure he wouldn’t do it again.”
Dearden is off contract at the end of 2024, meaning rival clubs can start offering him contracts from November 1 this year.
With Chad Townsend’s contract expiring at the same time, the Cowboys need to do everything within their powers to keep their young star in Townsville.
“Hopefully the club can keep him, he’s going to get big offers everywhere and he’s still young,” Drinkwater said.
“We spend a lot of time together away from the game and we’ve got a pretty good combination at the moment.
“But with that combination, big ups go to Chad for doing everything else on the field. Chaddy probably has to play the boring role as such at first receiver and kicking the footy and he deserves a lot of credit for allowing Tommy and I to play some footy.”
Originally published as ‘It’s his jersey’: In form Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater rejects NSW Origin speculation
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