Scott to take on more of the load
HIS neck may require more surgery but veteran prop Matt Scott is finally ready to help Jason Taumalolo carry the North Queensland pack in the NRL, coach Paul Green says.
Scott returns to the Cowboys’ starting front- row, pushing John Asiata back to the bench for Saturday night’s clash with third- placed Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Scott – off contract next season – has confirmed this week that he will need a second neck operation in three years for an ongoing bulging disc complaint.
Concerns for his neck ensured Green started Scott on the bench in last round’s last gasp win over Newcastle – only the Cowboys’ fifth of the year. It was a triumphant return for Scott who had missed the past four games with the long- term neck complaint that also required surgery after North Queensland’s 2015 premiership win.
Green was convinced Scott could help shoulder the load with hardworking lock Taumalolo after the former Test prop amassed 96m off the bench against the Knights – 50m more than starting frontrower Asiata.
“We weren’t sure how his neck would handle all the contact … but he seemed to handle it pretty well in the game and pulled up reasonably well,” Green said of Scott’s last round bench start.
Green was excited by the prospect of Scott — who turned 33 this week – starting in the front- row alongside Melbourne recruit Jordan McLean, in his second game back from a long term foot injury. Especially after Taumalolo copped criticism this year for not producing his trademark 200m- plus games in the Cowboys’ season from hell.