Cowboys superstar Scott Drinkwater has revealed he knocked back a bid from the Broncos to secure his services before the Red Hill club recruited Reece Walsh.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Drinkwater’s dream run that inspired North Queensland’s preliminary finals appearance in 2022 was the catalyst for Brisbane’s approach.
The Broncos at the time had a revolving door in the No.1 jersey, with Jamayne Isaako, Tesi Niu, Te Maire Martin and Selwyn Cobbo all featuring at fullback that year.
Drinkwater revealed Brisbane’s approach was put on ice due to changes in the club’s management structure.
Then during that period Reece Walsh was granted a release from the Warriors and signed a three-year deal with the Broncos. Eight weeks later, Drinkwater re-signed with the Cowboys.
“It was pretty flattering that a big club like the Broncos would be an option,” Drinkwater said.
“Yes, there was a bit of interest from them. At the time, they had a pretty new CEO and there were changes going on at the club, so the Broncos went on hold for a little bit.
“I guess they wouldn’t be too disappointed at how it’s turned out. They ended up signing Reece Walsh and I signed a new deal with the Cowboys which has turned out great.
“He (Walsh) can shoot the lights out, he’s a great player, so I don’t think the Broncos would be too disappointed with how it’s all played out.”
Drinkwater’s NRL career began at the Storm, before Craig Bellamy allowed him to depart the club after a logjam of talent saw him only feature in first grade once in 2018.
