Cowboys’ ‘big three’ Matt Scott, Jordan McLean and Jason Taumalolo to be unleashed on Cronulla

MATT Scott has revealed the role he played in bringing monster prop Jordan McLean to Townsville as the Cowboys prepare to unveil their new-look forward pack.

Taumalolo, Scott and McLean will pack a punch. (Zak Simmonds)

MATT Scott has revealed the role he played in bringing monster prop Jordan McLean to Townsville as the Cowboys prepare to unveil their new-look forward pack.

Dubbed the “wolf pack” by teammate Gavin Cooper, North Queensland’s hulking trio of Scott, McLean and Jason Taumalolo will be unleashed in Townsville for the club’s season-opening clash against the Sharks on Friday night.

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Taumalolo, Scott and McLean will pack a punch. (Zak Simmonds)

Weighing in at a combined 345kg, Scott, McLean and Taumalolo bring plenty of international and big game experience, which will be vital for North Queensland this season.

This will also be Scott’s long-awaited return to the NRL after he suffered an ACL injury in Round 2 last year, while McLean will make his Cowboys debut.

Scott played a large part in bringing McLean north from the Storm, in a bid to boost the size of North Queensland’s pack this year.

Coach Paul Green sought out Scott’s opinion for a bigger body last season and the veteran says he gave McLean his stamp of approval.

Scott has tipped McLean for big things. (Evan Morgan)

“We talked over the last couple of years of adding an extra dimension to the pack,” Scott said.

“We were always on the lookout for someone of Jordan’s stature.

“When Greeny mentioned him to me I was very positive in everything I had to say. I was pretty keen to get him to the club and I let Greeny know that.

“We got one of the better ones running around.

“He is a quality front rower and great buy for the club ... I’m tipping another massive year for him.”

McLean has been taken under the wing of Scott over the pre-season. The former Storm star said even with his grand final and Australian experience, he has been soaking up everything he can while training with the Queensland prop.

“I don’t think you ever stop learning while playing rugby league,” McLean said.

“You speak to the older boys and they’re still learning and trying to improve their game.

“(Scott) has been really good. He has an old school style of playing and I’m pretty similar to him.

“Hopefully I can learn a bit more from him and the way he goes about his business. I’m looking forward to playing alongside him.”

Given the size and experience of the trio, a lot of excitement has swirled around the Cowboys pack and what they can produce this season.

But ahead of Friday night’s showdown, Green said there are no expectations on them just yet.

“Matt Scott’s coming back from a fair lay-off and Jordan’s new to the team,” Green said.

“Apart from the excitement of actually getting out there and playing in a new game, the expectation part doesn’t really come into it for us.

“Most teams take a while to hit their best at the start of the season and we’ll probably be no different.”