Huge win for besieged Dragons as superstar fullback signs on 'bargain' $900k deal

Scott Drinkwater will officially be a Dragon next year, putting pen to paper on a three year deal through to the end of 2029.

The Cowboys gun was being pursued by several clubs, but elected to join the Red V despite the sacking of coach Shane Flanagan, assistant Michael Ennis, and football boss Ben Haran this week.

9News reporter Danny Weidler reported earlier this week deal was worth $900,000 a season.

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"Scott is a player of genuine class in our competition, and we're thrilled to have him commit to the Dragons from 2027," Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford said.

"He brings proven NRL experience, composure, skill and an attacking instinct that will be a major asset for our club.

"Importantly, we believe Scott will fit strongly with our playing group both on and off the field."

The signing of Drinkwater will be the second piece of good news for the Red V in as many days.

Boom forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga had wanted out of the club before a change of heart on Wednesday following the sacking of Flanagan.

Drinkwater is also the second big signing for 2027, alongside Rabbitohs prop Keaon Koloamatangi.

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"I'm really looking forward to joining the Dragons and being part of what the club is building," Drinkwater said.

"You can see the young talent from the area making its way through the ranks, so it's an exciting challenge to go on this journey with them.

"I look forward to finishing strong at the Cowboys this year and then arriving at the Dragons for 2027 to do everything I can to contribute to the team's success."

Drinkwater's arrival will push veteran fullback Clint Gutherson out of the No.1 jumper, although he is capable of playing at centre.

"I 100 per cent welcome it, I've sent him a few messages trying to get it across (the line)," Gutherson said of the club's Drinkwater pursuit on Wednesday.

"As I said I don't care (what position I play), I just want to play and I want to win."

The news will be welcomed by league legend Andrew Johns, who last week said paying Drinkwater $1 million a season would be a "bargain" for the winless Dragons.

"If the Dragons get him for a million dollars a year for three years, that's a bargain," Johns said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.

"They need desperately some creativity and he can do that from fullback. He's coming into that sweet spot, the next four years he's gonna be at his best.

"So St George Illawarra fans, if you get Drinkwater, it's a real plus. He looks like a bloke that just gets out there and plays.

"But as long as it's not played out in the media by these managers, if you're gonna go just sign it, get it done."

For North Queensland, rising youngster Jaxson Purdue is viewed as the Cowboys' long-term fullback, triggering Drinkwater's decision to pursue a move.

- With Damien McCartney