Scott Drinkwater lifts the lid on Brisbane Broncos move that almost cost them Reece Walsh

Cowboys star Scott Drinkwater revealed just two years ago he was approached by the Broncos to become their fullback, a move that would have almost certainly seen Reece Walsh join a rival NRL side. Just two seasons ago, Drinkwater's stellar form helped propel the Cowboys to a shock preliminary final appearance, with his incredible performances catching the eye of Kevin Walters.

At the same time, Brisbane were struggling to find their regular fullback. The likes of Jamayne Isaako, Tesi Niu, Te Maire Martin and Selwyn Cobbo all pulled on the Brisbane No.1 jersey at some point in the 2022 season, as the side suffered a horror late season dip in form to miss out on the finals, finishing ninth.

It reinforced Walters' belief that Brisbane needed a new long-term fullback. But his first choice, Drinkwater, instead opted to stay in North Queensland. Drinkwater signed a four-year extension with the Cowboys that season, a decision he still believes was the right one as he looks to deliver a second premiership to North Queensland in 2024.

“It was pretty flattering that a big club like the Broncos would be an option,” Drinkwater told the Courier Mail. “Yes, there was a bit of interest from them. At the time, they had a pretty new CEO and there were changes going on at the club, so the Broncos went on hold for a little bit."

But then came the sliding doors moment for Brisbane, with Broncos Academy young gun Walsh seeking a shock release from the Warriors on compassionate grounds. It was a fortunate turn of events that saw him ink a three-year deal with the Broncos in July 2022. "I guess they wouldn’t be too disappointed at how it’s turned out," Drinkwater said.

“They ended up signing Reece Walsh and I signed a new deal with the Cowboys which has turned out great. He (Walsh) can shoot the lights out, he’s a great player, so I don’t think the Broncos would be too disappointed with how it’s all played out.”

Scott Drinkwater says Billy Slater transformed the way he plays

Ahead of Friday night's elimination semi-final against the Sharks, Drinkwater revealed a piece of advice from Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater that helped transform him into one of the most potent fullbacks in the NRL. In 2024, the North Queensland No.1 has registered an incredible 35 line-break assists this year, the most in the league. He also has 28 try assists, with only the Dragons' Ben Hunt (32) having more.

At the Cowboys Drinkwater has a licence to roam to ensure he gets his hands on the ball as many times as possible each set. And the North Queensland fullback says much of his attacking prowess comes down to the mindset instilled in him by Slater.

The 27-year-old spent four-and-a-half years in the Melbourne Storm system where he trained alongside and learnt from the NRL great. "I remember when I was down in Melbourne how Billy was always into us fullbacks about how when we are not defending and have the ball it is time to attack," Drinkwater told AAP after the Cowboys' 28-16 elimination final win over Newcastle.

"He used to say, 'The boys are relying on you and you are here in the team to attack'. It was about taking your opportunities, pushing around the ball and wanting the ball. I take that into most games and call the plays that I want. I am fortunate that halves (Tom Dearden and Jake Clifford) are selfless in that way.

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"You are dreaming in this world if you think you are going to be perfect but I don't fear failure. I have been chosen in this team because (attacking) is my best asset."

The Cowboys must win three sudden-death finals in Sydney to win the premiership but there is a belief that they can do just that. They have won their past four in the NSW capital and will be full of confidence heading into Friday's do-or-die clash.