Warrington confirm signing of Catalans half-back Josh Drinkwater
Warrington have signed Australian half-back Josh Drinkwater from Catalans Dragons on a two-year deal from 2023.
The 31-year-old has made almost 200 carer appearances for St George Illawarra Dragons, London Broncos, Wests Tigers, Leigh, Hull KR and Catalans. He helped the Dragons win their first-ever Challenge Cup in 2018.
Drinkwater will wear the number seven shirt for Warrington next season. He will partner England star George Williams in the halves.
Warrington coach Daryl Powell said: “I’m delighted that Josh has agreed to join us as we move forward into next season.
“He is a quality half-back who can organise a team superbly. His combination with George Williams is a well-balanced one that I am confident will contribute massively to what we aim to achieve in 2023.”
Josh Drinkwater targets silverware with Warrington
Drinkwater was born and raised in Australia and is of German heritage. He and his brother Scott have previously expressed their interest in representing Germany and helping them qualify for the 2025 World Cup.
Drinkwater said: “I’m very excited about the move.
“I’ve played against Warrington many times and it’s always been a club that I’ve admired from afar. When the opportunity came up it was a very easy decision to make. I’ve enjoyed my time in France but I’m really looking forward to getting over now and embracing the English culture again.
“I’m excited to be part of the spine in this team. George (Williams) is a world class player. Also players like Daryl Clark and Matt Dufty as well. They’re all great players and I’m really looking forward to developing combinations with them. It’ll take a little bit of time to gel and people will need to understand that but when it does hopefully we can have some success.
“When you play for a club like Warrington the ambition has to be trophies. The club wants to win Super League as do I. It’s going to be a process, there’s a pre-season ahead to get ourselves ready. With the squad we’ve got here, if we can gel and come together, I don’t see why we can’t be challenging for that.”
More Super League content
Leeds appoint Tony Smith as their new academy coach
Super League 2023: Signings and departures club-by-club
2023 rugby league kits including every Super League club
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast