'Think more about what the team needs': Payten's key message for Drinkwater 06:46

Look, the other game last night was a win to the Cowboys over the Cronulla Sharks, 30 points to 22. Our player of the match for Harvey Norman was Scott Drinkwater. He had a line break, three line break assists, two try assists. He's from the central coast of New South Wales and in my days calling the footy, I have certainly been talking him up because I think he's a superstar. And we've got the Cowboys superstar on the line, eh Scotty?

Hey, how you going? Fine words, mate. No, no, well, you deserve it, mate. You're a terrific player and you're really doing a great job for the Cowboys and you should be enormously proud of yourself. Another great performance from you and the team last night to beat the Cronulla Sharks.

Yeah, it was. I've had the water over us for a long period of time now. So we spoke about it all week, just turning up from the first second of the game with an aggressive mindset. And the rest should take care of itself as long as our intent was there. Yeah, it was. So it was pretty pleasing. Hey, Scott, a fair bit of concern yesterday afternoon with a couple of your boys. How's Jason and Reuben today?

Yeah, saw Rubes today. He's feeling as good as he can feel. Obviously, at the protocols, he won't be there on Thursday. Jase, I still haven't seen Jase, but yeah, I think he'll obviously be out for a couple of weeks, but I'm not too sure how long. Mate, it was important. It was a big win for you, wasn't it, considering those two blokes went down pretty early in the contest? Yeah.

Yeah, it was. We didn't really think about, I guess, we don't have two blokes. We've only got three on the bench for the majority of the game. I didn't really think about that until halftime when Jakey Granville, we told you, was activated. But anyone that you want to be an F man and ready to go at any given time is Jakey Granville. So fortunate enough to have him there. But gutsy effort from, I guess, McIntyre,

Harry Ebelerts, Griffin Eam all played well above their standard minutes rates. Against a big pack two of Cronulla and I thought they did a tremendous job. Scott, it was a really good win over the Sharks. It took me back to...

About two months ago, you guys played the Sharks at Shark Park. It was a Sunday afternoon match at four o'clock and we covered it on the continuous call team. And you guys got trounced that day and we sort of finished the coverage of that match lamenting, well, is this going to be another lost season for the Cowboys? What's happened in that two months since that bad loss to the Sharks to the victory over the Sharks?

Look, obviously our defense has improved, especially on our goal line. We're learning a new system, so I guess there was always going to be a few housekeeping issues at the start there in the games. Obviously training and games are a lot different, a lot different pace. So yeah, a little bit of issues there, but

I guess we probably just simplified our game a little bit as well. With Jimmy Maloney's kind of helped us with our attack and what we need to be looking for and stuff. But,

Probably overall, just our mentality and attitude towards the tougher parts of the game, which was what made us so good a couple of years ago. I think we're getting back into that rhythm. I think a lot of people are just turning up week in, week out, playing seven eights out of tens. Scott, I've been watching you play for a fair while. I must admit, in the early days when you were at the Cowboys, I just thought you were a bit erratic. You were doing some things that were...

50-50 plays, like you could do something brilliant, but then you try and do it a bit more often than maybe you should. And I have noticed a distinct change in your game in the last, probably since Todd Payton's been there, to be honest with you. Has he had, I don't know, firstly, do you agree with that? Or has he had an effect on you in that area of your play?

Yeah, firstly, look, it definitely was a bit erratic. I guess my role has always been to be looking and scanning for attacking opportunities. That's why I'm kind of picked most weeks. I'm not picked for my defense, that's for sure. So that's what I'm always looking for. But yeah, since Toddy's come, probably just making better decisions and learning that we don't need to score every set

especially when they're trying. We don't need to score every set. We don't need points on the board. I'd be happy to, I guess, play the tougher game and just build, build, build pressure, kick them in the corners, just complete high and have high possession. And then those opportunities will come a lot easier and I'll see it a lot easier. And yeah, since Toddy's been here, it's been always... It's what he's always been working with me. Yeah, I think he's had a real positive effect on you. And, you know...

He's your coach. I mean, you're going to wrap him, obviously. But I must say, I think he has probably had a more positive effect on you than any other player on that side. Yeah, you're probably right. Yeah.

But the main message Joey says is he doesn't want to take away from what I can do. So he gives me confidence still to back myself. But he just wants me to think more about what the team needs instead of what I guess I want to do. So, yeah. Well done. Fantastic, mate. Well, Scott, keep up the good work. And it must be nice being a New South Welshman up there in Queensland off the back of the Origin Series. Victor, I hope you gave it to a few of those Maroons, mate.

I think you're a few teammates so maybe the neighbours copped it good on you mate keep up the good work we'll see you see you at the footy soon mate and you just keep doing what you're doing thanks for having me cheers good on you buddy there he is Scott Drinkwater of course he was born in Penrith grew up on the central coast now in North Queensland playing for the Cowboys I played with his father last night the continuous call teams player of the match played with his father at Penrith can't remember his first name

But he's a good player. Was he a good player? Guess what? He was a good player. He was a fullback. Hang on, let me ask Scott. I think he's still there. You still there, Scotty? Yeah, I am, actually. What's your dad's name? Grant. Grant, that's right. Grant Drinkwater. I played with Grant. I used to call him Grant in those days. And you won't believe this, Scott. I had a great nickname for him. Drinky. Did that surprise you? I think we all got it.

All three boys, I think we've all got it. Why did you call him Grant? Was he from Penrith Heights or something? Grant, that's a good name, mate. Grant is a classier name than Grant. Oh, okay. Sometimes I call him Grant as well, to be honest. Good on you, mate. Say goodnight to him for me, mate. See you, buddy. There he is, Scott Drinkwater from the North Queensland Cowboys.