Matt Scott on track to play State of Origin opener despite knee injury

QUEENSLAND enforcer Matt Scott was in grave danger of missing the State of Origin opener after hobbling off with a knee injury.

Matt Scott was helped off after injuring his knee against the Rabbitohs. Picture: Zak Simmonds

THE injury-hit Maroons have received a boost with chief Queensland and Cowboys enforcer Matt Scott on track for Origin I after being cleared of major knee damage.

Scott was in grave danger of missing the series opener on June 6 at the MCG after hobbling off in the 62nd minute of North Queensland’s crushing 20-19 loss to Souths on Saturday night.

But Cowboys medicos believe Scott has suffered only a grade-one strain to his medial collateral ligament (MCL). He will have scans on Monday, although it appears his hopes of a recall for Origin I remain intact.

It is understood Scott faces one-to-three weeks on the sidelines. The worst-case scenario would see him miss Origin I, but the Cowboys are confident he will be available to face NSW at the MCG with intensive rehabilitation over the next fortnight.

Scott could even be cleared for this Friday night’s clash against Melbourne in Townsville, which represents the final club game before the NSW and Queensland squads for Origin I are chosen on Monday week.

Matt Scott is helped off the field after injuring his knee. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Given his outstanding record as a 22-game Origin warhorse, Maroons coach Kevin Walters will give Scott every opportunity to spearhead Queensland’s engine-room in the series opener.

Scott’s body language after the Rabbitohs clash looked positive. He walked comfortably to the Cowboys’ gymnasium for post-match recovery without a limp, suggesting his Origin campaign is far from over.

Souths skipper Greg Inglis was just metres away when Scott left the field in Townsville and his Queensland teammate admits he initially feared the worst. Both Inglis and Scott are on the comeback trail this season from knee reconstructions.

“When I saw ‘Thumper’ (Scott) go down, I was fingers crossed and praying it wasn’t an ACL,” Inglis said.

Matt Scott on the charge for the Cowboys against the Rabbitohs. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“It is a horrific injury to come back from. I just hope this injury isn’t too serious and he’s not out for too long, both for Queensland and the Cowboys.

“Thumper and I are best of mates and he is a very important person for both sides.

“Hopefully he doesn’t sit on the sideline for too long.”

Scott’s club and Origin colleague Michael Morgan backed the Cowboys co-captain to make a swift return and reclaim his beloved Maroon jumper for Origin I.

“I’m sure Matt will do whatever he can to get back as quickly as possible, so let’s all hope for the best,” Morgan said.

“It’s not ideal, Origin is still a few weeks away so hopefully it’s best-case scenario and he will be fit to play.”

The Maroons have already lost Matt Gillett (neck) for Origin I, while Broncos teammate Josh McGuire (ankle) is racing the clock to prove his fitness.