Origin great issues warning to 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 longterm injuries to fellow props Jordan McLean (foot) and John Asiata (pec), and Scott Bolton’s indecent assault charge.
Bolton has been cleared to face the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval tonight but his form could be rocked as he deals with the emotional toll of his looming court date.
Scott, 32, is 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.
“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.
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
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