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The changing of the guard in the Kangaroos front row is official with tyros Matt Scott and Dave Shillington relegating warhorse Petero Civoniceva to the bench for Saturday’s Four Nations final.
Queensland Origin teammates Scott and Shillington did enough in last week’s win over final combatants New Zealand to retain their starting roles, with 43-Test veteran Civoniceva to cool his heels during the opening exchanges.
Skipper Darren Lockyer, Willie Tonga, Billy Slater and Luke Lewis all return after missing the 34-20 win over the Kiwis, with two of the men they come in for – Darius Boyd and Greg Bird – named on the bench.
The pair were joined by Kurt Gidley, Nate Myles and Anthony Watmough – who were also absent last week – amongst the list of seven reserves to be trimmed by coach Tim Sheens on Thursday.
Civoniceva is a victim of his own generosity, having played a big hand in overseeing Scott and Shillington’s development with the Maroons.
“I’m excited, very honoured, it’s not what I expected,” said the 25 year-old former Longreach Tiger, who secured his finals’ jumper with an impressive 28 tackles and 125 metres in 49 minutes on debut last week.
Scott, who made his Origin debut in the third game of the 2009 series when Civoniceva was injured, paid tribute to role the veteran prop had played in his rise from club player to Test forward.
But he refused to accept he was now ahead of Civoniceva in the prop pecking order, such is the respect he has for the 34-year-old who has been a permanent fixture in Queensland and Australian front-rows for several years.
“I think that would getting a bit ahead of myself,” Scott said.
“Petero gives us a lot of experience off the bench and he settles things down when he comes on.
“Petero and Pricey (retired prop Steve Price) have left a legacy for Queensland and Australia and I don’t think the team would be where it is today without those two blokes.
“It’s been particular helpful for me and Shillo (Shillington) coming through the Queensland team to have those two blokes there before us.
“I certainly wouldn’t have the success I’ve had without their help.
“Pet is just such a lovely fella.
“You have to take a bit of his humility and his attitude towards younger players.
“He’s a great role model.”
Cronulla forward Paul Gallen, one of only three NSW players along with Luke Lewis and winger Brett Morris to crack Sheens’s starting line-up, said Scott’s rise represented a changing of the guard.
“That’s probably what is happening,” Gallen said.
“It’s a bit disappointing for me that it’s another Queenslander coming through though,” he added with a laugh.
Scott returned the compliment describing Gallen, whose rugged style of play is best suited to Origin and Test football, as great to play alongside.
“He’s great, I love playing with him,” said Scott.
“He never stops working and he’s very hard to handle as I’ve found out playing NSW and the Sharks.
“It’s a pleasure to play alongside him, it’s definitely better than playing against him.”
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