Eels consider handing Scott an NRL lifeline
PARRAMATTA is considering handing Curtis Scott a lifeline next season.
The Eels, South Sydney and North Queensland have discussed signing Scott but it is Parramatta that has emerged a shock contender in recent days.
The Tigers also considered handing the premiership winner another crack at the NRL.
Scott, 24, has not played since May after being stood down by the Raiders. He was sacked by Canberra in August after a nightclub incident.
Scott was also fined $15,000 by the NRL after being charged with assault. Scott’s case will be mentioned in court on Monday.
His contract will need to be approved by the NRL.
Scott has been working at his brother’s landscaping business as he waited for an opportunity to resurrect his career.
He previously revealed he had attended Alcoholics Anonymous and undergone psychiatric treatment in a desperate bid to get back into the top grade. “I’ve been to the lowest of the lows,” Scott said in August. “You can’t get any lower. It was as dark as it gets.”
Scott could compete with youngster Will Penisini and Waqa Blake for a starting centre spot if he joins the Eels.
He burst on to the scene winning a premiership in his first full season of first grade with the Storm in 2017.
Veteran hooker Mitch Rein is Parramatta’s only addition to its squad after the off-season departures of Blake Ferguson, Will Smith, Michael Oldfield and Joey Lussick.
The Eels are locked in contract discussions with players including skipper Clint Gutherson, Reed Mahoney and Junior Paulo. The Eels locked down prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard until 2025 on Friday.
Meanwhile, Penrith has signed playmaker Sean O’Sullivan to a one-year deal.