Scott leads Hess to his own goals

COEN Hess is determined to carry on the legacy that his mentor Matt Scott left behind for Queensland, as the next generation of Maroons gears up for a new Origin era.

The injury-hit, new-look team will enter the MCG tonight without the wealth of experience that has helped guide it to 11 series wins over the past 12 years.

While some of the biggest losses come in the spine, the omission of Cowboys veteran Scott will also take its toll.

Scott has played 22 Origin games but was overlooked by Maroons coach Kevin Walters for Game One in favour of a younger pack featuring the likes of Dylan Napa, Jarrod Wallace, Jai Arrow and Hess.

Hess, named on the bench, views Scott as a mentor after the North Queensland co-captain helped the 21-year-old at the Cowboys.

It’s because of this close bond that Hess wants to use this series to carry on the legacy of Scott and the other veteran players who have retired or missed selection.

“They’ve created a dynasty, and it’s something all Queenslanders are very proud of,” Hess said.

“If I can make someone else feel like that, that would be really good.”