Dolphin studies Drinkwater to hammer home advantage

The dazzling Dolphins fullback, known universally as "Hammer", isn't filthy with Drinkwater for claiming his spot at the Cowboys. 

Far from it. The Queensland star is happy with his move to the Dolphins, and he is aiming to emulate the scintillating passing game of the Cowboys custodian.

Scott Drinkwater played 21 games and recorded 14 line breaks and 25 try assists for the Cowboys. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

In 20 games last year Tabuai-Fidow had 11 line breaks and averaged 148m per game. He had just four try assists.

Drinkwater played 21 games and recorded 14 line breaks, along with averaging 157m each match. Crucially, he had 25 try assists. 

It is those extra try assists that Tabuai-Fidow, a superb ball-runner, wants to add to his arsenal.

"I want to get better at my attack with my ball playing at fullback. I have been working a lot on that in the pre-season," Tabuai-Fidow told AAP.

"Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh are two fullbacks who do that well, but I reckon Scott Drinkwater is a standout at it with the decisions he makes. 

"I have been watching and studying video clips of him, so I will be excited to play against him.

"I watched Scott in the trial last week and I will try and pick some things off him. 

"As a fullback I want to run first, but I also think it's important to have that ball-playing as an option."

Last year Tabuai-Fidow starred in the 32-22 win over the Cowboys in Townsville with two tries, but Drinkwater was the hero of the return clash in a 34-10 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

"I was a bit shocked when the draw came out and we were playing them first time, but excited as well," Tabuai-Fidow said.

"It is always good to play against my old club and old mates.

"We started well as a club last year but dropped off in the second half of the season with injuries and suspensions to miss the finals. 

"With the depth we have now, the boys are good to go. 

"It has been a tough pre-season and we are all excited to get out there."