To say Australian half-back Josh Drinkwater has settled in well in the south of France is an understatement.
The Mercurial playmaker has arguably become one of the Super League’s most influential players in recent seasons, helping guide the Catalan Dragons to a grand final in 2021 after winning the Challenge Cup in 2018 for the first time ever. the club’s history.
Stints with the London Broncos, Hull KR and Leigh Centurions in the UK were less fruitful, but Drinkwater’s two spells in Perpignan were incredible to say the least – and he’s also a cult hero at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Despite James Maloney exiting at the end of the 2021 Super League season, Drinkwater was able to play alongside former State of Origin star Mitchell Pearce in 2022.
And, the 30-year-old spoke about the impact former Newcastle Knights man Pearce had on the club and Drinkwater himself.
“He’s been really good, we haven’t really played too many games together, but hopefully we’ll come together and build those combinations,” Drinkwater said.
“He’s a competitor and he’s done everything in the NRL – he wants to win and get into those big games, he’ll be key for us.”
Drinkwater has revealed how big rugby league is in the south of France and Perpignan in particular.
“I think rugby league is growing massively here with some small successes, although we were beaten in the grand final.
“They are crazy about rugby league here and the fans are so passionate – the traveling teams love to come here to watch their team. It’s the holidays for them and I hope Toulouse can stay in the top flight.
“I don’t think it’s fair to see teams get promoted and then go down the next year.
The Aussie half-back has revealed how much he enjoys playing for the Catalans and in doing so is determined to retire with the Dragons if they want to keep him.
“A few years ago the Australians had a reputation as a place of vacation first and football second, but we want to win.
“It’s football first for us and then it’s a great place to be after that, it’s on the border with Spain. It’s about enjoying it all, but I want to win the competition.
“I’m 30 now and I’ve been here for a few years, but I would like to finish (my career) here. I still have a year on my contract and if they want to extend it, they can.
The Dragons are currently in the hunt for the top spot in 2022 after rising to the top echelons of first in 2021, winning the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time in their history.
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