Scott backs Titans' plans to move to Rockhampton

North Queensland co-captain Matt Scott has endorsed a proposal that would see the Gold Coast Titans move several NRL games per season to Rockhampton.

Construction magnate Geoff Murphy is considering purchasing the Titans, who are currently under NRL control – but his interest in the ailing club comes on the proviso that central Queensland gets its first taste of live NRL action.

Murphy is the chairman of the CQ NRL bid and holds plans to construct a new 20,000-seat stadium in Rockhampton to accommodate elite-level football.

His proposal would ease the financial burden of Gold Coast’s crippling stadium deal at Robina, which is currently under renegotiation and could include scope for several games per year to be played away from the tourist strip.

Scott, a central Queensland product, believes any such initiative would we warmly welcomed by the region.

“I know how mad they are about rugby league,” Scott said.

“I played a lot of junior footy in the central Queensland area, I played for CQ, I went to school in Yepoon.

“It’s pretty much the lifeblood down there like it is up here (in Townsville).

“I think any professional-standard games you can get there, the region would embrace it and it’d be great for the region.”

Scott said he has had previous dealings with Murphy, the managing director of construction company JM Kelly Group.

“I’ve had a little bit to do with him, just around Origin,” he said.

“I know he’s been very vocal over the last couple of years with what he’s been trying to do with the CQ bid.

“He’s perfect for the job and it’d be great to see some more NRL games around that region.”