Paul Green says North Queensland prop Matt Scott will not play in 2017 NRL grand final

LEADING Cowboys players have backed Paul Green’s agonising decision to leave Matt Scott out of the team for Sunday’s grand final.

LEADING Cowboys players backed Paul Green after the North Queensland coach dropped a selection bombshell by overlooking chief enforcer Matt Scott for Sunday night’s grand final.

Green made the toughest call of his coaching career, sensationally omitting co-captain Scott from his 17-man squad for the NRL decider against Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.

Even Storm figures were bracing for the return of Scott, who was tipped to make a fairytale comeback from a knee reconstruction after tearing his ACL against Brisbane in round two.

Scott hasn’t played since Round 2.

Scott assured Green he was fit to play, but the coach advised his No. 1 prop that he would stick with the troops that have courageously catapulted the Cowboys to a second grand final in three seasons.

The move prised open fresh grand-final wounds for Scott, who has previously spoken of his heartache after being named 18th man for the club’s maiden grand-final appearance in 2005.

Incredibly, a fit Scott will watch the grand final from the ANZ Stadium stands, but in-form Cowboys duo Jason Taumalolo and Michael Morgan believe Green has made the right call.

“I’m not too surprised,” Taumalolo said.

“The guys who have taken the field in the last three weeks have done their job well and they deserve their spot for the grand final.

“It was Greeny’s call.

BLUNDER: Cowboys treasure their gift from Gus

WIN: Why North Queensland can win it all

“He would have lost some sleep over it, but we had a team meeting first and Paul announced then that ‘Thumper’ wouldn’t be playing. It’s a big call but a good one in our eyes.

“He (Scott) was pretty disappointed after it was announced he wouldn’t be playing.

“He probably deserved a shot, but in saying that so did everyone else who has been playing.

“Being the great captain that he is, Thumper will still be there cheering the boys on and mentoring the younger guys who haven’t played in a grand final before.”

Scott is likely to be named in the Cowboys’ extended squad today, but he will only receive a grand-final reprieve if there is a last-minute injury mishap in the build-up to the ANZ decider.

A shock resurrection loomed when Green named Scott in his 21-man squad last week against the Roosters, but the Cowboys coach spoke out yesterday to scupper speculation.

“The 17 guys that got us to the grand final will be the 17 guys that will play this weekend,” he said.

The Monday Bunker crew preview this week’s grand final between the Storm and Cowboys. Can the Cowboys continue their fairytale run or will the Storm come out on top?

You can download League Central podcasts via iTunes

“I just want to clear the air — there has been a lot of speculation and discussion around Matt Scott.

“When speaking about being considered for selection, it was about him being available if needed. With that in mind, as long as nothing happens injury-wise during the week, the same 17 will play on Sunday.”

Morgan said it would have been a huge gamble to play Scott after almost seven months on the sidelines.

“It would have been very early for him to come back,” he said.

“The risk was huge and it’s now clear for everyone.”

The decision clears the path for Corey Jensen to make his grand-final debut and the rookie forward insists he won’t let the club down.

“Each game I’m feeling more confident and stable in the team,” Jensen said.

“I’ll do whatever role I have to do and do it to the best of my ability.

“We’ve got to a grand final. Hopefully we can go on and win it.”