Melbourne Storm young gun Scott Drinkwater has signed with the Cowboyss for two seasons, writes Fox Sports.
North Queensland are hoping that he is granted a release before the deadline of June 30, but the Storm will only reason him if they can find an suitable replacement in the outside backs.
Coach Craig Bellamy had noticed his potential and had pegged him over the likes of Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen to replace Slater, according to Sporting News.
However, A pre-season injury to his pectoral muscle has meant that Drinkwater hasn't played for the Storm this season.
Since his injury, both Hughes and Papenhuyzen have steered the Storm to the top of the ladder and have helped in setting the benchmark for the rest of the league.
The Cowboys have been in the market for a fullback since the shock departure of Valentine Holmes, who opted to pursue the NFL with no clear return date.
After missing out on Watene-Zeleniak, who signed with the Bulldogs, North Queensland have turned their attention to Drinkwater.
In his return from injury, Drinkwater made an immediate impression for Easts Tigers in the Queensland Cup only a fortnight ago.
He has only played one match for the Storm which was in 2018, leaving Drinkwater to start exploring his options.
