No Green light for Scott for the final

COWBOYS star Matt Scott has been ruled out of the NRL grand final.

North Queensland coach Paul Green said yesterday afternoon that Scott would not be selected unless there was an injury to one of the front-rowers selected to play in the Cowboys’ win over the Roosters.

While Scott has reportedly told Cowboys staff he feels ready to play, Green said he would keep faith with the 17 players who got the job done against the Roosters, Cronulla and Parramatta.

“I just want to clear the air. There has been a lot of speculation around Matt Scott,” Green said.

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

“Some of the comments last week were blown out of proportion. Unless something happens with injury this week, the same 17 will play on Sunday.

“It is important to note that Matt is happy to contribute in any way in camp. The 17 guys are the ones that got us there so they deserve the chance.”

Bench forward Corey Jensen would have been the man most likely to make way.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters earlier joined the call for Scott to play.

Walters, who is unbeaten in two Origin series as Maroons coach, was adamant a fit Scott should play.

“You’d have to (pick Scott),” Walters told Sky Sports Radio.

“They’ve come so far without him and Johnathan Thurston, so I think it’s a real bonus for the Cowboys if he can play. Just give everyone a little bit of a lift.

“It’s a big decision, to put him in the side. If he is fit, I don’t think there’s any decision about it. He’s just got to go in.”

The entire Storm squad trained lightly yesterday at Gosch’s Paddock before about 1000 diehard fans dressed in all shades of purple.

Queenslander Billy Slater said the Cowboys would provide tough opposition for the Storm.

“It‘s certainly going to be a tough game, they’ve (Cowboys) got some good players in their team and very experienced players, most of them have played in a grand final before.

“I think they’ve got contributors across the park and that’s what is holding them in games and winning them games at the moment, they’ve got 17 contributors doing a fantastic job and they’re hanging in there when times are tough and when they get their opportunities they’re taking them,” he said.

“It’s a grand final and it’s going to be a tough game. We’re at the starting blocks again with the Cowboys and we’ll be looking to get away to a good start and putting pressure on them like we do any other team.”