The Broncos are one of four clubs showing a strong interest in Cowboys playmaker Scott Drinkwater, who remains unsigned at North Queensland past this season.
According toย The Courier Mail,ย the Sharks, Dragons and Warriors join Brisbane in the chase for the 23-year-old, who stands as one of the few fullbacks up for grabs for the 2022 season.
The Cowboys are keen to sign Drinkwater to a new deal that will keep him in Townsville for the future, with the flexible half's manager set to ignite new discussions with the club in the coming days.
Scott Drinkwater has been named as the 2020 NRL Nines Player of the Tournament ๐๐ฅ#NRL9s
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๐ฑMatch Centre: https://t.co/ps8C9lkHle pic.twitter.com/32ZlxqchNP— Fox League (@FOXNRL) February 15, 2020
While there is high demand for Drinkwater, the Broncos are a strong suitor for the pacey fullback, with Kevin Walters currently battling to find an incumbent-filled spine as he begins his reign at Red Hill.
Star five-eighth Anthony Milford's future remains up in the air, with a potential departure opening up $1 million in cap space, more than enough to make a strong play for Drinkwater's services.
Walters could look to pen Milford to a new deal at a slashed rate and still land Drinkwater, opening up a potential partnership that will add a helpful level of experience to his playmaking depths.
Drinkwater amassed 19 try assists last season, ranking him fifth in the league despite playing just the 16 matches for the year.
Scott Drinkwater puts it on a dime for Tom Opacic and he does the rest.#NRL9s pic.twitter.com/2id1brTxl0
— NRL (@NRL) February 15, 2020
Would be a down grade for the Dragons, Matt Dufty is better and worth keeping. Broncos doesnโt make sense if Kevvy signs his son to come over and play five-eight.
Warriors donโt actually want him we just have a need and heโs a name. Cowboys will probably keep him
Dufty should just walk away from the Dragons. He always seems to be under pressure there to keep his place & considered second best by the Dragons hierarchy, when other fullbacks come into the market. Go to another club & be treated better.