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Bears Confirmed & Rumoured Signings

SirPies&Beers

SirPies&Beers

Bench
Messages
3,618

Drinkwater rejects Dragons, piling more pressure on club​


The St George Illawarra Dragons have endured a season to forget in 2026 and have now suffered another major setback in their bid to strengthen their roster and turn their form around.

WWOS’s The Mole has reported that Scott Drinkwater has rejected the Dragons’ contract offer in a stunning development, with many believing the Cowboys superstar was likely to join the Red V.

The Dragons had identified Drinkwater as a priority signing, targeting the North Queensland Cowboys No.1 as a key piece in their rebuild amid ongoing struggles at the foot of the ladder.

Drinkwater had reportedly become available after falling out of favour at the Cowboys, with rising youngster Jaxson Purdue viewed internally as a long-term option at fullback, opening the door for the star to explore rival opportunities.

However, Drinkwater’s manager, Gavin Orr, confirmed the Dragons’ offer was knocked back, leaving the joint venture needing to significantly improve its proposal if they hope to remain in the race.

“There are several clubs keen on Scott and the Dragons’ bid was not what we are looking for at this stage,” Orr said, noting that while the Dragons remain in contention, their initial offer fell short of expectations.

Drinkwater remains one of the most sought-after players on the open market, with rival clubs including the Perth Bears and several Sydney-based teams also monitoring his situation closely.

The 28-year-old has been in superb form this season, spearheading the Cowboys’ current four-game winning streak with consistent attacking influence from the back.

He has long been a key weapon for North Queensland, and in 2026 has already produced seven try assists and scored three tries himself.

For the Dragons, fullback remains a key recruitment focus, with the club seeking more pace and strike power in the spine as they look to climb back towards finals contention.

Veteran skipper Clint Gutherson is expected to remain at the club for his contract but is likely to be reshuffled into another role moving into 2027.

The Dragons, still winless in 2026 and facing mounting pressure over their roster direction, are desperate to secure a major signing to help turn their fortunes around.

But with multiple clubs in the hunt and Drinkwater’s value continuing to rise, the Cowboys star looms as one of the key off-contract dominoes of the next recruitment cycle — and one the Dragons can ill afford to miss out on.
 
B

Belmore Sandgroper

Juniors
Messages
6
Interesting contest for Drinky's signature. I guess the Bears know how much of their cap they can sensibly stretch to. But they should have a real crack. Some podcast dudes are reporting that the Saints offer was well south of what was being reported. So not really much of a "rejection" if accurate. More like a "tell 'em they're dreamin ".
 
G

Gobsmacked

First Grade
Messages
5,922
Belmore Sandgroper said:
Interesting contest for Drinky's signature. I guess the Bears know how much of their cap they can sensibly stretch to. But they should have a real crack. Some podcast dudes are reporting that the Saints offer was well south of what was being reported. So not really much of a "rejection" if accurate. More like a "tell 'em they're dreamin ".
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I'm sceptical about his age and desire for the coming years. I don't think I'd be throwing massive dollars at him. His form is never consistent and he's defense isn't great either.
His playing great now but they all seem to start firing around contract negotiations.

My guess is the Dragons would have offered something to the tune of 600k ( which is what he's worth imo) but he could probably get about a Mil out of the Bears.

It wouldn't be too bad for the Bears, I guess they just really need to start throwing massive overs and get some deals done.
 
BuffaloRules

BuffaloRules

Coach
Messages
18,240
Gobsmacked said:
I'm sceptical about his age and desire for the coming years. I don't think I'd be throwing massive dollars at him. His form is never consistent and he's defense isn't great either.
His playing great now but they all seem to start firing around contract negotiations.

My guess is the Dragons would have offered something to the tune of 600k ( which is what he's worth imo) but he could probably get about a Mil out of the Bears.

It wouldn't be too bad for the Bears, I guess they just really need to start throwing massive overs and get some deals done.
Click to expand...

The Bears gotta spend like 95 percent of the cap or thereabouts …they are going to have to pay someone to play at FB …If Drinkwater is available they need to be the highest offer to try to entice him … I don’t know who is the next FB on the list ..Sloan maybe?
 
B

Belmore Sandgroper

Juniors
Messages
6
His playing great now but they all seem to start firing around contract negotiations.

Another way to look at the situation is - lots of spine players start firing when their forwards get a roll on and give them front foot ball. IMO Drinkwater was still going OK when the Cows were playing like busteds and Payten was almost out the back door
 
BuffaloRules

BuffaloRules

Coach
Messages
18,240
Belmore Sandgroper said:
His playing great now but they all seem to start firing around contract negotiations.

Another way to look at the situation is - lots of spine players start firing when their forwards get a roll on and give them front foot ball. IMO Drinkwater was still going OK when the Cows were playing like busteds and Payten was almost out the back door
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He is still playing well…but not quite the player he used to be …

I still would be very keen on Perth getting him … although there will be risks given he will be 30 next season ..
 
G

Gobsmacked

First Grade
Messages
5,922
BuffaloRules said:
The Bears gotta spend like 95 percent of the cap or thereabouts …they are going to have to pay someone to play at FB …If Drinkwater is available they need to be the highest offer to try to entice him … I don’t know who is the next FB on the list ..Sloan maybe?
Click to expand...
I was hoping for them to make a play for Sloan when he was getting the cold shoulder in reserve - could have got for a steel. He's a talent, it just not being realized. If he strings together a few performances that I know he's capable of, it'll double what you could still get him for.

I really think they need to be talking to Brimson, he's surplus to Titans needs playing out of position. A million bucks wouldn't be overs and I think the Titans would give him a release with compensation.

But back to Drinkwater, if they got him, he'd be their biggest signing to date and a semi marque.
 
G

Gobsmacked

First Grade
Messages
5,922
Belmore Sandgroper said:
His playing great now but they all seem to start firing around contract negotiations.

Another way to look at the situation is - lots of spine players start firing when their forwards get a roll on and give them front foot ball. IMO Drinkwater was still going OK when the Cows were playing like busteds and Payten was almost out the back door
Click to expand...
He can be very rocks and diamonds though.
 
Centy Coast

Centy Coast

Juniors
Messages
2,134
SirPies&Beers said:
with flanno gone and no coach at dragons surely bears in prime seat for drinky?
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Scotty would be great for the Bears attack, let’s face it the Bears aren’t going to win any Premierships in their first few years, Scotty is 29 years, after his game the other night against Manly the $1M tag surely dropped
 
Centy Coast

Centy Coast

Juniors
Messages
2,134
Gobsmacked said:
I was hoping for them to make a play for Sloan when he was getting the cold shoulder in reserve - could have got for a steel. He's a talent, it just not being realized. If he strings together a few performances that I know he's capable of, it'll double what you could still get him for.

I really think they need to be talking to Brimson, he's surplus to Titans needs playing out of position. A million bucks wouldn't be overs and I think the Titans would give him a release with compensation.

But back to Drinkwater, if they got him, he'd be their biggest signing to date and a semi marque.
Click to expand...
You bag Charlie Staines yet want Tyrell Sloan seriously ?, I agree with you on Staines but different clubs bring out the best in some players, he would be decent back up for little coin.
Sloan as you said is very rocks and diamonds, more rocks unfortunately.
 
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