On one hand, North Queensland prop Matt Scott hopes David Shillington lives up to his call as Maroons legend Petero Civoniceva’s replacement in the Cowboys’ NRL clash in Canberra on Saturday.
But on the other, Scott is keeping his fingers crossed that his potential NSW rival James Tamou presses his Origin claims against the Raiders.
Canberra bruiser Shillington was one of the big-name casualties when Queensland surprisingly ditched the loyalty card when naming their side ahead of their must-win Origin II clash in Brisbane.
While Nate Myles shone in the front row as the Maroons romped to a 26-6 game two win, Scott admitted he thought Shillington would be the man to partner him in the front row after Civoniceva’s 2012 retirement.
“That’s who I thought it would be,” he said on Wednesday.
“He got a crack in game one but game two selectors went for a different make-up.
“I still think he is one of the best frontrowers in the competition. I am sure he is going to show that over the next couple of weeks.
“I think he will be looking to bounce back from that.
“I still think he is extremely unlucky to be out of the side.”
However, Scott is relishing the thought of packing down with Cowboys teammate Tamou despite the North Queensland enforcer looking set to press his NSW claims against Canberra.
Tamou gets his last chance at Origin redemption when he chimes into the Cowboys side following his high profile drink-driving charge.
The Test prop was on Tuesday fined $1900 after pleading guilty in a Townsville court to drink-driving and driving without a licence.
The 24-year-old was also disqualified from driving for 15 months after being arrested last month with a blood-alcohol level almost four times the legal limit.
Rather than be distracted, Scott predicted Tamou would be more focused than ever on reclaiming his NSW jersey against the Raiders.
“He is fine. He has dealt with a fair bit this week,” he said.
“He is obviously looking to get back into the Blues side for game three so he’ll be primed for a big game.
“He will be out to do a job for us but I am sure it will be in the back of his mind to earn selection for game three.
“His form has warranted selection. He’s done the job for them in the past. I am pretty confident that he will be back in there.”
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