Billy Slater has dismissed calls for the North Queensland Cowboys to transition Jaxon Purdue to fullback immediately, following Scott Drinkwater’s recent signing with the St George Illawarra Dragons. Drinkwater’s new three-year contract, which begins in 2027 and is reportedly valued at $1 million annually, has sparked discussions about Purdue’s future position.
There are proponents, including some media commentators, who suggest that Cowboys coach Todd Payten should expedite Purdue’s development by shifting Drinkwater into a different role, thereby allowing the promising 20-year-old to wear the No.1 jersey right now. However, Slater, a renowned former fullback for Melbourne Storm, Queensland Maroons, and Australia, firmly rejected this idea during an appearance on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show. He stressed the importance of focusing on the current season, insisting, “You worry about this year. Next year will happen.”
While the Cowboys have been utilising Purdue primarily in the centres, there is anticipation that he will eventually take on the fullback role in the long term, especially with Drinkwater’s exit in the future. Slater remarked that Purdue would benefit from playing closer to the action, either as a fullback or even as a five-eighth, suggesting that the strategy for his development is already in place. He stressed, “You put all your eggs into this year,” but added that any changes should be made only if they are beneficial to the team’s current needs.
Brad Fittler, another rugby league great, chimed in to emphasise that having Drinkwater at fullback is critical for the team’s success. He argued that altering the structure to facilitate Purdue’s development would not be advantageous. Andrew Johns also weighed in, highlighting how the current fast-paced game suits Drinkwater’s style exceptionally well, noting his role as a creative playmaker who frequently contributes as a first receiver.
The Cowboys recently secured a thrilling victory against the Sharks, winning 46-34 in Townsville, and currently find themselves placed seventh on the ladder with a record of five wins and three losses. As the team navigates the remainder of the season, the focus remains on performance and results, rather than future positional changes.