PROP PRIDE ON LINE AS LOSS BITES
MATT Scott couldn’t watch last year as NSW captain Paul Gallen finally raised the State of Origin trophy at Suncorp Stadium.
Fast- forward almost 12 months to the day and Queensland prop Scott reckons, despite a quiet game two, he has his eyes on the prize ahead of tonight’s Origin decider in Brisbane.
Scott did not play Origin III last year due to a facial fracture but was in the Suncorp Stadium stands when Gallen got his hands on the Origin trophy.
It marked the end to Queensland’s record eightstraight series- winning run.
“I think I turned away at that point,” Scott said of Gallen raising the trophy.
“I’ve seen enough replays on TV over the year to make sure it’s still hurting.”
Scott’s pride is hurting too ahead of the must- win Origin III. The man considered the world’s No. 1 prop was overrun
I’ve seen enough replays on TV over the year to make sure it’s still
hurting
MATT SCOTT
in Queensland’s 26- 18 game two loss by the likes of his Cowboys teammate James Tamou, Aaron Woods and upstart David Klemmer. The low point came when Woods brushed past Scott – who turns 30 later this month – to score a key try near the posts.
Scott had an underwhelming 51m from six hit- ups and notched 17 tackles in his 38minute display.
“I am expecting a
lift from Matty definitely,” Scott’s Maroons teammate Jacob Lillyman said.
“I know he was very disappointed with game two. He is a great player and will be looking to bounce back.”
Queensland have reportedly won just three of 10 Origins when Scott fails to crack the 100m barrier.
Lock Corey Parker ( 114m) was the only Queensland forward who made more than 100m in game two.
For NSW, Woods ( 153m), Tamou ( 105m), Gallen ( 131m) and Ryan Hoffman ( 138) all cracked three figures.
“I think between game one and two they definitely picked up their intensity,” Lillyman said of NSW’s pack.
“There was a bit more feeling in it. They came out all guns blazing.
“That’s the beauty of this decider in front of our home fans – it is going to make for a blockbuster.”