Drinkwater becomes a top Dragons target after Fuller talks fall through

Scott Drinkwater has become one of two top targets for Shane Flanagan and his struggling St George Illawarra Dragons after Trai Fuller rejected an emergency offer that would have seen him join the last-placed club immediately.

Off-contract Fuller today informed the Dragons of his decision not to take up their offer, Danny Weidler has reported. The Sporting Base has heard the biggest sticking point was that Fuller wanted a two-year deal, while Flanagan and the Dragons only offered one.

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The rejection leaves the Dragons having to play once first-choice fullback Tyrell Sloan ⁠— who club bosses are very happy to let leave at the end of the current season — because Clint Gutherson is out with a hamstring injury.

And beyond this season, which may already be out of reach should the Red V fail to sack Shane Flanagan soon, Cowboys No.1 Scott Drinkwater has become a prime fullback target. Drinkwater was recently told by the Cowboys that they’re not interested in signing him beyond 2027, when his contract expires.

The 28-year-old joins Jahream Bula as one of two top picks that “Flanno” believes can replace the aging Gutherson at the back. Bula remains the top pick at St George Illawarra, but with the 24-year-old fullback having already been offered two very rich offers by the Wests Tigers to stay, it’s unlikely he walks away from Concord at the end of his current deal.

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Either way, Gutherson is expected to move into a new role as soon as the Dragons land a fullback. Reports have long suggested he could move into the centres, though The Sporting Base has also been hearing wing could be an option for the 31-year-old.

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Sloan is also an outside chance to be re-signed, though the Dragons aren’t negotiating with any off-contract players for the time being.

And Flanagan remains on the chopping block, especially if the Red V lose to similarly embattled Manly this Friday.