Drinkwater impressive on return
HE rates him as “one of the most gifted attacking players” he has ever been involved with, and Josh Hannay believes the No.6 jumper is Scott Drinkwater’s to own in the future.
The Cowboys coach was full of praise for the 23-year-old after his return from injury against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
While his two try assists came from fullback, the position he will assume again against the Newcastle Knights, Hannay said his instincts and attacking prowess made him a five-eighth on the rise
Key examples from Drinkwater included his cross-field kick for Hamiso Tabuai-fidow in North Queensland’s own half, setting the teenage flyer on a dazzling route to the try line.
Despite the disappointment of how they let the game slip in the dying stages of the 31-30 loss, Hannay said he would continue to implore upon his team that they had the freedom to play what was in front of them.
And Drinkwater was a core part of that vision.
“It’s really easy to get bogged down in what happened in that last six minutes, (but) the reality is in the previous 74 there was a lot of good football played by us,” Hannay said.
“Some of the attacking football we put on was probably some of the best we’ve played in a while — there was a lot of enterprise, a lot of skill.
“There’s no doubt Scott Drinkwater makes a difference to the way we play in attack, he’s one of the most gifted attacking players I’ve ever had anything to do with.
“I think long term Drinky is a five-eighth, I just think when he gets the ball in his hands at first receiver he puts so much pressure on the defensive line. With Valentine Holmes coming back, I think long-term (he) can be a great fullback.”
Hannay has resisted the urge to make a host of changes in spite of the heartbreaking defeat, citing the need to persevere with his young contingent.
Veteran centre Justin O’neill has also been listed in the 21-man squad, and will be monitored by the club to see how he pulls up on Saturday before coming into calculations.
With Holmes still likely a week away from a return, Ben Hampton has retained his spot alongside Michael Morgan in the halves as Drinkwater continues to don the No.1 jersey.
Hannay said the State of Origin star was well on track to return next week and was desperate to get back on the park.
For now, he has largely stuck firm with the same side and provide them with the opportunity to make amends.
“I think when you lose a game the way we did you certainly look at how we lost and maybe who played their part in that,” Hannay said.
“But I back our players, and some of the guys who were at fault – for want of a better term – have been great servants for the club so I’m really prepared to let them make up for it this week.
“If I can use Mitch Dunn as an example, the week prior against the Titans he had a really forgettable day and probably there was a temptation to change him. But I know his quality and left him in and he was one of our best on Saturday night.”