Scott Drinkwater: Salary, Contract, Family & NRL Career

Few rugby league players have seen their stock rise as quickly as Scott Drinkwater’s over the past few seasons. From a Melbourne Storm understudy to the North Queensland Cowboys’ star fullback, he’s now signed a three-year deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons starting in 2027.

NRL Appearances: 160 (as of 2024) · Tries Scored: 62 · Age: 27 (born 15 May 1997) · Reported Annual Salary: $900,000 (per season) · Current Club: North Queensland Cowboys · Future Club (from 2027): St George Illawarra Dragons

One of the quickest-rising backs in the NRL, Drinkwater’s stats tell a clear story: 160 appearances and 62 tries in six seasons, with a fullback’s eye for the line.

Are Josh and Scott Drinkwater related?

Yes. Scott Drinkwater and Josh Drinkwater are brothers, both professional rugby league players (St George Illawarra Dragons official club announcement).

Who is Scott Drinkwater’s brother?

• Josh Drinkwater is a halfback who has played for the Wests Tigers, Manly Sea Eagles, London Broncos, and now the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (NSW Cup).
• They are not related to other Drinkwaters in the NRL.

The implication: the Drinkwater siblings are one of the rarer pairs of brothers in the NRL, and their career paths have crossed at different points.

What is Scott Drinkwater’s salary?

Multiple reports peg his salary at $900,000 per season, starting with the Dragons contract that runs from 2027 to 2029 (Sporting News Australia rugby league specialist).

What are the details of the Dragons contract?

• Three-year deal, officially announced on 25 April 2025 (St George Illawarra Dragons official club announcement).
• Earlier reports said the first offer was rejected, and a later offer was tabled (LeagueScenePod NRL news aggregator).
• One source claimed the deal was worth over $1 million per season, but that is unconfirmed.

What this means: the $900,000 figure is the most widely reported, and the official club announcement confirms the three-year term, giving fans a clear picture of the financial commitment.

Where is Scott Drinkwater going to?

He is joining the St George Illawarra Dragons from the 2027 NRL season, leaving the North Queensland Cowboys after the 2026 campaign (St George Illawarra Dragons official club announcement).

When will Scott Drinkwater join the Dragons?

• The contract begins in the 2027 season and runs through the end of 2029.
• He will remain a Cowboy for the 2026 season.
• The move was confirmed in 2025, with the Dragons’ CEO calling him a player of “real quality” (Yahoo News Australia news outlet).

The catch: Drinkwater gets a long-term deal at a new club, but the Cowboys lose a dynamic back who has been central to their attack for years.

“Scott Drinkwater is a player of real quality, and we are excited to have him join the Dragons from 2027.”

— Tim Watsford, CEO of St George Illawarra Dragons (Yahoo News Australia news outlet)

Where does Scott Drinkwater come from?

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on 15 May 1997 (St George Illawarra Dragons official club announcement).

Where did Scott Drinkwater grow up?

• He grew up in the Sydney area, but the exact suburb is not widely reported.
• His father was involved in his early rugby development, though specific names are not public.

Who are Scott Drinkwater’s parents?

Their names and occupations are not confirmed in available sources. The family connection that is known is his brother Josh, a professional halfback.

The pattern: while Drinkwater’s on-field journey is well-documented, his early life remains largely private, adding a layer of mystery to his rise.

Is Scott Drinkwater retiring?

No. He is not retiring; he is moving to the St George Illawarra Dragons for the 2027 season (St George Illawarra Dragons official club announcement).

Is Drinkwater to depart Cowboys true?

• Yes, the departure from the Cowboys is confirmed for the end of the 2026 season.
• He remains active in the NRL, with no retirement announcement.

The catch: the timing of the announcement (2025) means fans will watch Drinkwater play two more seasons for the Cowboys knowing he is already committed elsewhere.

For the Cowboys, the timing of Drinkwater’s departure is a blow. They have two seasons to find a replacement who can match his attacking output. For the Dragons, the investment is a clear bet on a fullback who has proven he can change a game. The choice for Drinkwater was between staying in the North Queensland system or taking a fresh start in Sydney. He chose the latter, and the next few years will show whether that gamble pays off.