National Youth Competition From 2010 to 2012, Drinkwater played for the
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles'
National Youth Competition (NYC) team. He was
Manly's
NYC top point-scorer in
2012, with 137 points from 10 tries, 48 goals and 1 field goal. On 4 September 2012, he signed a two-year contract with the
St. George Illawarra Dragons starting in 2013, where he was seen as a
“possible saviour to a club reeling in the post-Wayne Bennett era.” St. George Illawarra Dragons (2013) in 2013 In round 5 of the
2013 NRL season, Drinkwater made his
National Rugby League début for the
St. George Illawarra Dragons against the
Newcastle Knights. He finished off his début year in the
NRL having only played in four games.
London Broncos In February 2014, Drinkwater joined the
London Broncos effective immediately for the rest of the season in a straight swap for
Michael Witt, after being released from the final year of his
St. George Illawarra contract. He scored 136 points for the
London Broncos, but the club managed just one victory for the entire
Super League season. Drinkwater was initially signed as a back-up for halves
Mitchell Moses and
Luke Brooks. Drinkwater commented on the situation saying, ''"I know I'm behind those boys,
Jason Taylor told me straight away that
"Mitch" and
"Brooksy" were going to start the year in the first-grade team. I just want to come here, play good footy and if something happens and
Jason Taylor calls my name, I've got to take my opportunity".'''''
Leigh Centurions On 17 May 2016, he was released from his contract at the
Wests Tigers to take up an opportunity with the
Leigh Centurions in the
Championship. Drinkwater subsequently went onto help his new club gain promotion in 2016, back to the top-flight of English
rugby league. Drinkwater left the
Leigh Centurions after a two-year stay at the club, following relegation from the
Super League via the
Million Pound Game in a loss to the
Catalans Dragons at the end of the 2017 season.
Western Suburbs Magpies Drinkwater joined
Intrust Super Premiership NSW side the
Western Suburbs Magpies for the 2018 season.
Catalans Dragons in 2018 On 24 April 2018, Drinkwater signed a one-year deal to join the
Catalans Dragons. On 25 August 2018, Drinkwater was part of the
Dragons' historic
2018 Challenge Cup Final triumph over the
Warrington Wolves. Securing the clubs first-ever piece of silverware, Drinkwater who started the game at went onto kick four goals (8 points), subsequently helping the
Perpignan based side secure a 20–14 victory.
Hull Kingston Rovers On 23 December 2018, it was revealed that he had signed a one-year deal to play for
Hull Kingston Rovers in the
Super League. On 9 January 2019, Drinkwater received the number 24 jersey ahead of the start of the
Super League season. On 13 January 2019, Drinkwater made his non-competitive
Hull Kingston Rovers' début in a pre-season friendly against the
Widnes Vikings, Drinkwater claimed a 30–16 victory with his new club. Drinkwater made his first competitive appearance for
Hull Kingston Rovers in round 1 of the 2019
Super League season, Drinkwater who added 6 points with the boot recorded a thrilling 18–16 victory over cross-city rivals
Hull F.C. at
Craven Park. Drinkwater also subsequently picked up the
Sky Sports' 'Man of the Match Award.' Drinkwater played his 100th career game on 10 March 2019, in a 6–10 victory over
Wakefield Trinity at
Belle Vue. On 4 April 2019, Drinkwater opened his try scoring account for
Hull Kingston Rovers in a 45-26
Super League home victory over the
Leeds Rhinos. Drinkwater scored a brace of tries on 31 May 2019, in
Hull Kingston Rovers' 22-28
Challenge Cup Quarter Final defeat by the
Warrington Wolves.
Catalans Dragons (rejoin) On 31 October 2019, it was announced that Drinkwater was re-joining
Catalans Dragons. On 9 October 2021, Drinkwater played for Catalans in their
2021 Super League Grand Final defeat against St. Helens.
Warrington Wolves On 23 November 2022, Drinkwater signed a two-year deal to join
Warrington. Drinkwater played 24 games for Warrington in the 2023 Super League season as Warrington finished sixth on the table and qualified for the playoffs. Drinkwater played in the clubs elimination playoff loss against St Helens. On 8 June 2024, Drinkwater played in Warrington's
2024 Challenge Cup final defeat against Wigan. Drinkwater played 23 games for Warrington in the 2024 Super League season as the club reached the semi-final before losing to Hull Kingston Rovers.
Oldham RLFC On 27 November 2024 it was announced by chairman Bill Quinn that he had signed for
Oldham RLFC in the
RFL Championship on a one year deal. ==Honours==