The Mole: Multiple Clubs Eager to Snag Scott Drinkwater as Dragons Face New Recruitment Setback

The struggling Dragons are facing another setback as Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater has turned down a proposal to join their ranks.

St George Illawarra had prioritised the talented Cowboys fullback for 2027, but Drinkwater’s agent confirmed on Tuesday that the offer from the joint venture has been declined.

“I have rejected the offer,” prominent agent Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports.

“There are multiple clubs interested in Scott, and the Dragons’ offer doesn’t align with what we are seeking at this time.

“This doesn’t mean they’re no longer in the running, but they’ll need to come back with an improved proposal.”

The Perth Bears are willing to offer Drinkwater more than the Dragons, while several Sydney teams are also interested.

North Queensland has allowed the 28-year-old fullback to explore his options and is unlikely to keep him for the upcoming season, with promising young talent Jaxon Purdue poised to take over the fullback role after securing a new three-year deal.

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The winless Red V are aware that they need a quicker fullback, especially with veteran captain Clint Gutherson likely to switch positions next season.

Expect the Dragons to return shortly with a more enticing offer.

EELS LEGENDS TO MAKE A DESPERATE PITCH

Parramatta are in dire need of inspiration and could find it this Sunday as they face the Bulldogs.

It has been 40 years since the Eels last claimed a premiership – against the Bulldogs – and players from that iconic team will be honouring the milestone at the weekend match.

If legends like Ray Price, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, and Eric Grothe can’t reignite this current struggling Eels side before the game, then it’s hard to tell who can.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PAPENHUYZEN?

The temptation to return to competitive play has finally struck Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The former Melbourne star left the league in shock when he announced his retirement at just 27 years of age at the end of last season.

However, the 2026 Clive Churchill Medal recipient has expressed interest in lacing up his boots once more – albeit not for rugby league or rugby union, including R360.

He plans to have a serious crack at touch football, aiming for a spot in the NSW State Cup squad later this season.

CLUBS SEEKING TALENT SCOUTS

Former Knights recruitment executive Adam Doyle is highly sought after for the upcoming season.

Doyle deserves a significant amount of the credit for the Knights’ impressive resurgence this year, having recruited talents like Fletcher Hunt, Jermaine McEwen, Wilson De Coucey, Cody Hopwood, and Connor Votano to the club.

Though Doyle was released by the Knights when they brought in recruitment specialist Peter O’Sullivan, he remains well-respected within the league.