DRINKWATER’S FUN SOLUTION
FULLBACK Scott Drinkwater believes the Cowboys need to rediscover the joy in playing as they look to dig themselves out of their lateseason slump against the Broncos tomorrow night.
The Cowboys have lost six of their past seven games heading into the Queensland derby including a 28-4 defeat to the Wests Tigers last weekend which has left their finals hopes in tatters.
Drinkwater, 22, has only been in Townsville for five games as a midseason recruit from Melbourne and the Cowboys have managed just one win in that time – a thrilling 15-12 triumph over the Roosters. He admitted those losses had taken a mental toll, but he felt the best way for the Cowboys to overcome their frustrations was to start throwing the ball around and having fun.
“We can really focus on playing expansive football and having fun out there which is something maybe we might be lacking because we’ve been losing a lot,” Drinkwater said.
“It’s part of the reason why you play is because you love it, so if we can get out there and just have a smile on our faces and play footy I’m sure we’ll put on a good show.”
Injuries have only added to North Queensland’s woes this season as coach Paul Green has had to try eight different spine combinations across their 20 matches.
Drinkwater and chief playmaker Michael Morgan only played their first full game together against the Tigers after the Cowboys captain was sidelined for three weeks through concussion.
Drinkwater felt he was settling into the team’s structures, but the talented custodian said the Cowboys were still working to find the best way to get him involved in attack.
“It is a pretty big factor. We have been struggling with moving the ball around,” Drinkwater said.
“I’m trying to talk to our spine and our coaches about what plays I like and where the most use I can be on the field and they’re asking me questions as well so it’s definitely made it easier settling in.
“One thing I learnt off (Storm legend) Billy Slater is being a fullback you’re there to talk and be the attacking weapon so he’s always trying to tell me to call for the ball.”
Drinkwater will experience his first Cowboys-broncos showdown tomorrow and he said it was an exciting opportunity.
“The year the Cowboys won the grand final (2015) every game was unreal … now I get to be a part of it,” he said. “Both teams aren’t performing like they want to be, but I’m sure we’re going to find an extra gear this week just being that local derby.”