Stunning end to career for veteran prop

THE North Queensland rugby league community is reeling as Matt Scott’s career has come to an unfortunate conclusion.

The 268-game veteran has likely played his last game in Cowboys colours and won’t be given the send-off he deserves after suffering a mild stroke on Sunday.

Scott, who announced his retirement last month, was transported to hospital in Brisbane after feeling unwell after the team had flown in from Newcastle. He has remained in the state’s capital ever since.

Scott’s wife Lauren is understood to be by his hospital bedside in Brisbane along with members of the Cowboys’ welfare unit.

The club was rocked by the news of Scott’s condition yesterday, with coach Paul Green informing the players in the afternoon before their training session. It has been a tough time at Cowboys HQ, with Scott playing all 268 NRL games of his career at the club.

He joined the Cowboys out of high school in 2003 after he was spotted playing for St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, in the final of the Confraternity Shield at Charters Towers.

The front-rower has had an illustrious career, including 22 appearances for Queensland in State of Origin and 22 internationals for the Kangaroos.

While doctors have confirmed he will make a full recovery from the stroke, Scott’s career has likely come to a shock conclusion with the Cowboys not expecting the 34year-old to return in time to finish the remaining three games of the season.

“It is pretty serious, I would be surprised if he does play again but that is the least of his worries,” Green said. “It is some pretty upsetting news to be honest, I think everybody is just processing it at the moment.

“I think that is not what we expected. We knew he was pretty crook coming off the flight, but for it to be what it is, comfortable but in the end it is always a strong relationship, especially considering what we have gone through together.

“There is a lot of people at this club that have been with him a lot longer and I am sure they are feeling just as bad if not worse. It is pretty tough, but probably tougher for Matt and his family as well so that is the important thing here. We need to make sure we are supporting them.”

Cowboys director of football Peter Parr, who considers Scott like a son after their 16-year relationship, said he was happy the prop was in good hands.

“It has been a shock to everybody but he is in good hands and all indications are that he will make a full recovery and we’re thankful for that,” Parr said.

Scott has had several major injuries over his career, including requiring multiple neck surgeries, but has been proud of his ability to get back on the field. He is a father of young sons Hugo and Will, and said last month retirement would give him the chance to spend more time with his family.