The Mole: Multiple Clubs Eye Scott Drinkwater Following Dragons’ Latest Recruitment Setback

The beleaguered Dragons have encountered yet another setback as Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has declined their offer to join the club.

St George Illawarra has identified the star out of North Queensland as their prime target for 2027, however, Drinkwater’s representative has rebuffed a proposal from the joint venture this past Tuesday.

“I’ve turned down the offer,” prominent agent Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports.

“There are multiple clubs interested in Scott, and the offer from the Dragons doesn’t align with our expectations at this point.

“This doesn’t mean they are out of the equation, but they will need to improve their bid considerably.”

The Perth Bears are reportedly willing to provide a more lucrative deal than the Dragons, while several Sydney teams are also in the mix.

North Queensland has permitted the 28-year-old fullback to explore his options and are unlikely to retain him for the upcoming season, especially with rising star Jaxon Purdue expected to take over the fullback position following his recent three-year contract extension.

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The winless Red V are acutely aware that they require more speed at fullback, with veteran captain Clint Gutherson likely to shift to another role next season.

It’s anticipated that the Dragons will return with a more enticing offer in the coming days.

EELS LEGENDS TO MAKE A DESPERATE PITCH

The Parramatta Eels are in dire need of a morale boost and will hope to find it this Sunday against the Bulldogs.

Markedly, it was 40 years ago that the Eels last claimed the premiership, defeating the Bulldogs, and members of that victorious team will be present to celebrate this weekend’s match.

If legends like Ray Price, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, and Eric Grothe can’t inspire this struggling Eels side in the dressing room prior to kick-off, then it’s doubtful anyone can.

PAPENHUYZEN’S NEXT CHAPTER UNVEILED

The draw of returning to play has finally resonated with Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The former Melbourne sensation stunned the rugby league community by announcing his retirement at just 27 years of age at the conclusion of last season.

However, the 2026 Clive Churchill Medal recipient has disclosed his desire to lace up his boots once more—though he won’t be returning to rugby league or union, including R360.

Papenhuyzen plans to give touch football a go and is aiming for a spot on the NSW State Cup team later this season.

CLUBS SEEKING TALENT SCOUT

The former Knights recruiter Adam Doyle is highly sought after for next season.

Doyle deserves significant credit for the Knights’ revival this year, having recruited players such as Fletcher Hunt, Jermaine McEwen, Wilson De Coucey, Cody Hopwood, and Connor Votano.

Despite being released by the Knights following the arrival of recruiting expert Peter O’Sullivan, he remains well-respected within the rugby league community.