Newcastle Knights withdraw Matt Scott contract offer after Cowboys frontrower’s ACL injury

THE moment Matt Scott tore his ACL against Brisbane last week cost the veteran Cowboys front-rower around $2.7 million in potential earnings.

Scott’s injury cost him more than his season: Wesley Monts

The moment Matt Scott tore his anterior cruciate ligament against the Brisbane Broncos last week cost the veteran Cowboys front-rower around $2.7 million in potential contract earnings.

That was the amount the Newcastle Knights were prepared to offer over three years for the Test and State of Origin enforcer. Not anymore.

Not since the x-rays confirmed a devastated Scott was out for the rest of the season.

HESS A CHANCE TO START AGAINST MANLY

Knights coach Nathan Brown told the Sunday Telegraph he was no longer pursuing the 31-year-old forward who he had previously identified as not just a forwards leader but a potential club captain.

“We thought he’d be the perfect leader for our younger players coming through,” Brown said, “but to be honest I thought he was leaning towards staying at the Cowboys anyway.

“We won’t be taking it any further. We just wish him a good recovery.”

Scott’s season ended abruptly in the 68th minute of the Broncos derby. He stepped to the left to try to tackle Adam Blair but the knee just collapsed on him. He bravely tried to continue before being helped from the field.

It couldn’t have happened at a worse time for Cowboys coach Paul Green who is now without both his starting front-rowers from 2016 now that James Tamau is at the Penrith Panthers.

Plus his other middle forward, superstar Jason Taumalolo, is also under suspension for two weeks.

Scott’s injury cost him more than his season: Wesley Monts

Scott’s contract is up at the end of the season in Townsville and the club is certain to look after their long-serving co-captain now that the Knights have withdrawn from the race. This is despite already signing Melbourne Storm prop Jordan McLean for next year.

“It’s obviously a huge blow for Matt and he’s understandably devastated,” Green said.

“He’ll have surgery then start his rehab, and knowing the type of player and person he is, he’ll approach his recovery in the same dedicated way he trains and plays … with 100 per cent commitment.”

The Knights are now looking at other front-row options.

Brown is a huge fan of Cronulla Sharks front-rower Matt Prior, who played such a big role in last year’s premiership campaign. Adam Blair and Aaron Woods are others on the open market.