Scott eyes final shot at Origin
MATT Scott says he has unfinished business in the Origin arena as pressure mounts for the veteran to knock back Queensland and help boost the Cowboys’ fading finals hopes.
The North Queensland cocaptain has returned to his best form over the last two weeks after missing the majority of 2017 with a serious knee injury.
However, while he tried to lead the way on Thursday night against Wests Tigers, the Cowboys slipped to their seventh loss of the season in worrying signs for the pre-season premiership favourites.
With their finals hopes on the line, there have been suggestions Scott should shun a recall to the Queensland side.
But after missing last year’s series with his knee injury, the 32-year-old is hungry for one more shot at Origin glory.
He said while he did not know yet what he would do if the Cowboys couldn’t string a few wins together before the June 6 series opener, he isn’t ready to give up on wearing the Maroons jersey.
“I feel like there’s a little bit of unfinished business for me there,” Scott said. “It would mean the world (to return to Origin). I’m very passionate about Queensland and playing in that maroon jersey.
“I’d like to test myself out again in that arena and still see if I have what it takes. I might not but the only way to do that is to try.
“It’s not a sure thing that I’m going to get picked and it’s not a sure thing that I’m going to play.”
The biggest concern with Scott playing Origin is the Cowboys’ depth in the forwards, with Jordan McLean (foot) and John Asiata (pectoral) both sidelined.
Fellow prop Scott Bolton has a tough few months ahead after he was charged with indecent assault for an alleged incident in Bondi last week.