Scott rest plan foiled
TAMOU SUSPENSION A ‘ BLESSING IN DISGUISE’ BUT NO BREAK FOR ORIGIN WORKHORSE SCOTT
JAMES Tamou’s State of Origin brain explosion has put paid to any chance of Cowboys co- captain Matt Scott being rested against the Manly Sea Eagles on Monday. North Queensland coach Paul Green said Tamou’s one- match suspension, for a grade two high tackle on Jacob Lillyman in last week’s Origin decider, could be a “blessing in disguise” as he gets an extra seven- day break after a taxing representative period.
But Green said Tamou’s suspension “probably” forced his hand in playing Scott this week as the second- placed Cowboys look to kick on and finish the year on a high.
“We’re disappointed to lose ( Tamou) in that circumstance but it’s a bit of a blessing in disguise,” Green said. “I’ve said all along about giving all the guys a rest and this one was forced on me.”
“We’ll get the benefit of that ( at the) end of the year but it’s a week ( out) and while we’d love to have him playing as he’s been in good form, for Jimmy it will give him a chance to refresh the body after a tough Origin campaign,” Green said.
Scott revealed earlier this month he would likely need end- of- season surgery on a neck injury which he has managed over a couple of years but Green said all indications were that his co- captain had emerged from the interstate period in good shape.
“Given the way they’ve won and with Queensland winning the series, emotionally those guys are going to be on a bit more of a high,” Green said.
“We’ll see how his body is but by all reports he’s feeling pretty good. “We’ll monitor and see how he goes.”
Tamou is the only change from an otherwise mostly fullstrength Cowboys side, which has seen Rory Kostjasyn retain his spot on the bench as backup hooker to Jake Granville.
But with the squad only returning from a week’s break today, Green hasn’t ruled out changes to his squad for Monday’s game including the recall of veteran forward Glenn Hall.
“He’s in the mix,” Green said. “I have to name 18 players but we’re a squad of 20- plus players. We’ll see how training pans out this week and we’ll finalise the 17 that play.”