North Queensland fullback Scott Drinkwater says finding fulfilment and purpose off the field has contributed largely to his scintillating form on it.
The 26-year-old has scored 11 tries and has 25 try assists this season. He has showcased individual brilliance but is also making those around him better under the guidance of head coach Todd Payten.
That form led to Drinkwater being called into the NSW Blues squad for Game Three of the State of Origin series.
Last year Drinkwater signed a long-term deal through until the end of 2027 and in April of this year he and partner Oshah Ianson welcomed a baby daughter into the world.
He said that family life had made him grow up and settle into a routine away from the rugby league field.
"Everything was just footy, footy, footy for me. Now I have got other things to worry about and it has relaxed me a little bit," Drinkwater said.
"I am a footy nerd. I love it. I almost watch every game and my missus hates it, but at the moment I am trying to get away from it a little bit at times and focus on family life which has probably helped me a fair bit.
"(The Cowboys) signed me for a four-year extension and it it made me feel like Toddy had confidence in me and what I could do.
"The playing group has backed me to play my style of footy as well. I am not always going to come up with the right play and I can live with that.
"That is how I play the game but I just think I have got better at making better decisions more often."
North Queensland are in ninth position on the NRL ladder and must beat Penrith away on Saturday night to have a chance of playing finals football.
"I wished it wasn't do or die but it is. Our elimination finals started with (last week's 34-10 win over) the Dolphins," Drinkwater said.
"We got through one and now we've got to go to the foot of the mountains against the best team in the comp. It is a big challenge ahead of us.
"I am looking forward to a big game and hopefully it brings out the best in all of us."
At their best the Cowboys forwards get a lot of ruck speed and Drinkwater said he enjoyed playing off the back of it.
He said halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend were also receptive to his calls. Drinkwater is chiming in superbly as a third playmaker and will need to against the Panthers.
