Scott Drinkwater has emphatically dismissed rumours regarding his future with North Queensland, spearheading the Cowboys to a thrilling 46-34 victory over Cronulla in a try-fest at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday.
Speculation had mounted that the fullback could move to St George Illawarra at the end of the season, despite being contracted until the end of 2027. However, the 28-year-old showcased his commitment to the Cowboys, registering a try, three try assists, a crucial 40/20 kick, and seven tackle busts.
His efforts helped North Queensland bounce back from what coach Todd Payten described as a flat performance in their 38-6 thumping by Manly last Thursday. The win was their fifth in six games.
First-Half Dominance
It took 12 minutes of magic for North Queensland to create a 14-point advantage, scoring three late tries to round off the first half. Cronulla emerged from the break with renewed purpose, and despite scoring four tries, the Cowboys matched that effort to seal an entertaining victory.
Back-rower Jeremiah Nanai returned from shoulder surgery, but winger Murray Taulagi upstaged his comeback, scoring a hat-trick and posting three line-breaks for the home team.
Sharks' Leaky Defence
History was with the Sharks, who had won 14 of their past 16 encounters against the Cowboys. Despite also being boosted by the return of co-captain Cameron McInnes from an ACL injury, Cronulla's leaky defence proved costly.
Fullback Will Kennedy was typically busy, amassing 150 metres and five tackle busts, while Nicho Hynes was instrumental with three try assists and two line-breaks.
Match Highlights
- It took less than four minutes for the Cowboys to open the scoring when Drinkwater stormed over, but Siosifa Talakai crossed to help the visitors equalise.
- Moments later, Talakai bagged his second after some silky hands from his teammates, before North Queensland hit back when Taulagi scored off the back of a Toby Rudolf error.
- Taulagi rolled over the line to put the Cowboys back in front, before Reed Mahoney and Braidon Burns rewarded their side's energetic pace to create a 26-12 halftime lead.
- The Sharks had a glimmer of hope when Oregon Kaufusi offloaded to Blayke Brailey, who flopped over the line, but Taulagi grabbed a third try to extend the Cowboys' advantage.
- Cronulla thrust themselves back into the contest again when Kayal Iro grabbed a double, before Soni Luke scuttled over in the 66th minute to open up an eight-point buffer.
- After Drinkwater kicked a 40/20, Tom Dearden joined in on the action when he slipped through to score, before Iro and Heilum Luki crossed late.
