Drinkwater prepared to chance his arm
SCOTT Drinkwater has the ‘off-thecuff’ spark the Cowboys have been lacking, according to skipper Michael Morgan.
Drinkwater is expected to partner Morgan in the halves for Friday night’s blockbuster season opener against the Broncos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Cowboys coach Paul Green will name his opening round line-up tomorrow with the enigmatic playmaker widely tipped to earn the six jersey.
His style, which was on show in a player of the tournament performance at the NRL Nines last month, has the ability to unlock Morgan as the Cowboys general, marching his powerful forward pack up the field.
“Drinky likes to play, not off the cuff (football), but he just looks for space and figures out a way to get the ball there whether it is run, pass or kick,” Morgan said.
“He will have a go at things. He plays really ad lib type of footy, and it is good to see, we want to encourage that.”
It is an exciting brand of football that has helped propel several careers across the NRL including Drinkwater’s former Melbourne teammate Cameron Munster. Morgan said he saw a fair bit of his Maroons teammate Munster in what Drinkwater does.
“’Drinky’ reminds me a lot of Cameron Munster,” Morgan said. “I’ve played with Cam in Origin teams and I get that same feel with Drinky.
“He has that sort of confidence and carefree attitude that Munster has. He is the type of player who will throw a flick pass and if it doesn’t come off, it won’t bother him, he will try it again next time and it’s all OK.
“He is going to make a difference. He was impressive when he arrived at our club midway through the season so I believe he will be good for us again.”