The Gold Coast Bulletin

Scott says Slater was drawcard for Storm

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STORM sensation Curtis Scott has credited Maroons star Billy Slater with delivering him to Melbourne after revealing how close he came to joining grand-final rivals the Cowboys.

The boom 19-year-old will play the biggest match of his life in Storm colours on Sunday night, but Scott could easily have been running on to ANZ Stadium in a North Queensland jumper.

Rated one of the most gifted outside backs of his generation, the Cronulla junior was so dominant at an Australian Schoolboys carnival two years ago he attracted the attention of 10 NRL clubs.

The Cowboys were among the suitors and became a major contender when Scott travelled north to inspect their facilities months after North Queensland won their maiden premiershi­p.

But champion Melbourne fullback Slater helped seal the signature of Scott, whose grand-final debut will represent only his 14th NRL game, vindicatin­g his move.

“I had a look at the Cowboys set-up before I came back down to Melbourne, but I chose the Storm,” Scott said.

“Cam Smith (Storm skipper) was one factor, but Billy Slater was my idol growing up, so I thought it would be great to learn from him.

“I’m still pinching myself. When I came down to Melbourne and started training next to him, I couldn’t believe it.”

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