NO PAIN IN THE NECK FOR SCOTT
COWBOYS co- captain Matt Scott is confident he won’t be burdened by a neck injury in North Queensland’s run into the finals.
Scott was delayed going into State of Origin camp to have a cortisone injection after the Cowboys loss to the Cronulla Sharks.
It was to reduce pain for an injury he has carried for years and he will talk to the surgeon at the end of the season to see if he needs an operation.
Scott still played a big role in Queensland’s record breaking win over NSW but was feeling good and ready to tackle the last third of the season.
“I’ve had a week off and it was really good not having to back up. I think that’s made the world of difference so it’s really good now to have that Origin over and look forward to the end of the year with the Cowboys,” he said.
The co- skipper was hopeful he would not need any more injections or would need to change his preparation for games but dealing with injury until the end of the year was something all his Cowboys teammates had to deal with.
“You’re not going to rush out and take any measures that will put you out for too long, especially at this time of year. Everyone gets reviewed at the end of year and I’ll be the same,” he said.
If Scott does need an operation, it would be the same as pack partner James Tamou who had some bone shaved off his vertebrae to ease a nerve problem, and he may reach out to his Australian front row partner for some advice.
“He’s done pretty well off the back of it so if I end up having it I might have a chat to him but seeing how he’s come back from it’s obviously given me a bit of confidence,” he said.
The Cowboys prop backed his teammates to fire without Tamou, who will miss the game through suspension.
“The boys showed when they did a great job without all of us against the Dragons,” Scott said.
“( With) Scott Bolton back into the side and Ben Hannant starting, I don’t think we’ll miss too much.
“I’m sure the guys can do a job without him.”