Scott Drinkwater will join the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys immediately after agreeing to a two-and-a-half year deal, which runs to the end of the 2021 season.

The 22-year-old made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm in Round 25 last season and was earmarked as a first grade regular in 2019 before suffering a pec injury in the Storm’s final trial game.

A skilful, ball-playing fullback, Drinkwater has been in sublime touch since returning from injury in Round 12, registering five try assists, two line-breaks and seven tackle breaks in just three games in the Queensland Cup.

Cowboys Director of Football Peter Parr said the club was delighted to have secured Drinkwater prior to the June 30 deadline.

“We were always looking to fill the last spot in our squad with somebody we thought could add significant value,” Parr said.

“Scott is a highly accomplished player and has the ability to play multiple positions, which led us to believe he would be an ideal signing for us at this stage of the year.”