Gorden Tallis tells Matt Scott to learn from one of the biggest mistakes of his career

MAROONS legend Gorden Tallis has urged Matt Scott not to give up his Queensland Origin jersey, declaring stepping away from representative footy was one of his biggest mistakes.

Gorden Tallis has some advice for returning Maroon Matt Scott.

MAROONS legend Gorden Tallis has urged Matt Scott not to give up his Queensland Origin jersey, declaring stepping away from representative footy was one of his biggest mistakes.

Scott’s position at the Cowboys has become more important than ever following long-term injuries to fellow props Jordan McLean (foot) and John Asiata (pec), as well as Scott Bolton’s indecent assault charge.

Bolton has been cleared to face the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night but his form could be rocked as he deals with the emotional toll of his looming court date.

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Gorden Tallis says stepping down from Origin duties is one of the biggest regrets of his career.

Scott, 32, is a certain to be recalled to the Queensland team for the June 6 State of Origin opener at the MCG after missing last year’s series with a knee injury.

He will miss one NRL game while on Origin duty and have to back-up for the Cowboys three days after the first and third matches of the series.

The absence of Scott could be telling in North Queensland’s premiership charge but Tallis urged the 22-game Maroons mainstay to make himself available for Queensland.

Tallis quit representative footy at the end of the 2003 season, giving up a spot on a Kangaroos tour, and did not play for Queensland in 2004, his final season.

“It’s not the sole reason you play the game but you want to be tested,” he said.

Tallis has urged Matt Scott to play on with the Maroons. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“If he doesn’t think he can cut it in Origin, then you don’t play. But you don’t step down for those reasons.

“You step down because you don’t want to play for Queensland. If you want to play for Queensland, then you play for Queensland.

“I did it and it’s one of the worst decisions I made.

“I buggered up and made the decision to not play for Australia and go on a tour. It was a long year, I was a bit injured and I just needed a rest.

“When you stop playing for Australia … I got done on a double jeopardy which was poor. I should have been given better information on that.”

Scott bounced back to his best in North Queensland’s upset win against Penrith last Friday in Bathurst.

He charged for 101m and made 23 tackles in a bruising performance which helped the Cowboys get their season back on track.

His return to the Queensland Origin fold will be welcome for a side suffering an injury crisis to its forward stocks, with Test duo Matt Gillett (broken neck) and Josh McGuire (ankle) sidelined.

Scott made a strong return from a serious knee injury.

Scott’s former front row sparring partner Petero Civoniceva said Queensland had to pick the Test prop regardless of his form.

“You can never underestimate someone like Matt Scott, you have to have him there,” he said.

“Because of the type of bloke he is, he will not let Queensland down.

“He will go down as one of the best front rowers the game has seen.

“I remember a time when I was a bit down on form and not playing the football I wanted to play, but the selectors stuck with me.

“I know Scotty is always the first guy picked.”

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Originally published as Gorden Tallis tells Matt Scott to learn from one of the biggest mistakes of his career