North Queensland legend Matt Scott to retire after 16 seasons with the Cowboys

North Queensland premiership co-captain and former Queensland great Matt Scott will retire at the end of the season after 16 years with the Cowboys.

Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pics Adam Head Townsville Bulletin JT Highlights. Grand Final. JT kicking grand final winning field goal.

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North Queensland premiership-winning prop Matt Scott will retire at the end of the 2019 NRL season.

The 33-year-old debuted as an 18-year-old in 2004 and has gone on to make 263 appearances for the Cowboys across 16 seasons.

He sits third on the all-time appearances list for the club behind Johnathan Thurston (294) and Matthew Bowen (270).

Scott co-captained North Queensland in the 2015 grand final.

As well as being co-captain with Thurston of the Cowboys’ 2015 grand-final winning team, Scott played 22 games for both Australia and Queensland and was a key component of the Maroons’ eight consecutive Origin series wins between 2006 and 2013.

Injuries have restricted Scott increasingly over the past three years and the Longreach product said his body could no longer take the toll of first-grade rugby league.

The tough prop is a Cowboys institution. AAP Image/Rohan Thomson.

“I am still extremely passionate about this club and the game of rugby league, but 16 years of NRL has taken its toll on my body and it’s time to stop,” Scott said.

Cowboys director of football Peter Parr hailed Scott as the greatest forward in the club’s history.

“There is absolutely no doubt that at the peak of his powers he was unrivalled as the best front rower in the world,” Parr said.

“He’s had an amazing career, one he and his family should be extremely proud of.” Scott has been named on the Cowboys’ bench for Saturday’s clash with South Sydney in Townsville.