Matt Scott has unfinished business in Origin arena as calls grow to hang up representative boots
COWBOYS veteran Matt Scott says he has unfinished business in the Origin arena, as pressure mounts for him to knock back Queensland to help his club with their fading finals hopes.
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COWBOYS veteran Matt Scott says he has unfinished business in the Origin arena, as pressure mounts for him to knock back Queensland to help his club with their fading finals hopes.
The North Queensland co-captain has returned to his best form over the last two weeks, after missing the majority of 2017 with an ACL rupture.
However, while he tried to lead the way on Thursday night against the Tigers, the Cowboys slipped to their seventh loss of the season, in worrying signs for the pre-season premiership favourites.
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With their finals hopes on the line, there have been suggestions that Scott should shun a recall to the Queensland side.
But after missing last year’s series with his knee injury, the 32-year-old is hungry for one more shot at Origin glory.
He said while he does not know yet what he will do if the Cowboys cannot string a few wins together before the June 6 series opener, he isn’t ready to give up on wearing the Maroons jersey one more time.
“I feel like there’s a little bit of unfinished business for me there,” Scott said.
“It would mean the world (to return to Origin). I’m very passionate about Queensland and playing in that Maroon jersey.
“I’d like to test myself out again in that arena and still see if I have what it takes. I might not. But the only way to do that is to try.
“It’s not a sure thing that I’m going to get picked and it’s not a sure thing that I’m going to play. But if I do, it will mean the world to me. I will give it everything I’ve got.”
The biggest concern with Scott playing Origin is the Cowboys’ forward pack depth, with Jordan McLean (foot) and John Asiata (pectoral) both sidelined.
Fellow prop Scott Bolton also has a tough few months ahead after he was charged with indecent assault for an alleged incident in Bondi last week.
However, if North Queensland manage to make the most of their next two home games and turn their form around, there is no doubt Scott would feel better about leaving his side behind to achieve his representative goals.
The biggest hurdle for Scott so far has been returning to form after a year out of the game, but he has shown he is nearly back at his best in recent weeks.
He said he was confident he could deliver in Origin, even if there will always be a few lingering doubts over his knee.
“It’s natural to have doubts after the injury that I suffered,” he said.
“Twelve months out of the game at my age, it was always going to take a bit of hard work to get back into it. I’m confident but it’s always going to be a test.
“It was a test to play first grade, it was a test to come back from an ACL and play the type of footy I know I can play. I wouldn’t say its doubts, but I know (Origin) is going to be tough.”
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