From 2010 to 2012, Drinkwater played for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles' National Youth Competition 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 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.
On 5 November 2014, he signed a two-year contract with the Wests Tigers, commencing in 2015. 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.” In round 17 of the 2015 NRL season, Drinkwater made his Tigers' début against the Parramatta Eels.
Leigh Centurions
On 17 May 2016, he was released from his contract at the West 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.
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, 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.
