This series has already unearthed plenty of nonprecious metals, but Minto is the jewel of the nile in a sea of lesser lights.
Nicknamed ’40-20′ (due to looking 40 but only being in his early 20’s at the time of his debut), Minto’s credentials were heavily questioned the moment he stepped foot on an NRL field. With hands that make Edrick Lee look like Adam Gilchrist, fans collectively held their breath every time the ball approached Minto.
For many punters, the appeal of Minto to coach Wayne Bennett defied belief. Perhaps he saw a little of himself in young Scott.
Bennett’s Minto love affair would continue in 2014 when he offered two matches to the nephew of Scott, Matt Minto with the Newcastle Knights.
Incredibly it wasn’t just Bennett who saw potential in Minto. The Cowboys signed the gangly winger in 2007 and he played in 14 matches scoring three tries before suffering a serious neck injury. Unfortunately, that injury would prevent us from enjoying more of the human bean pole.
2007 would also see Minto emerge in the headlines in bizarre circumstances. Often the source of fan derision during his six years in the NRL a number of ‘fans’ took to Wikipedia to alter Minto’s information as reported by The Brisbane Times.
The edits included changing his name to Scott ‘Cool Mint’ Minto, altering his date of birth to September 20, 1948, and claiming that he had been voted player of the (yet to be completed) decade ousting the likes of Darren Lockyer, Andrew Johns, and Brad Fitler.
The edits further continued to state that by ‘his third season, Minto was inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame and was made an ‘Immortal.’
After he stopped playing, Minto enjoyed reasonable business success acting as the Central Comets CEO in the Queensland Cup for three years before resigning in 2011.
In a 2013 article, Minto opened up about fighting injury and confidence related demons during the first two years of his career. I’ve no idea why he felt pressured.
Minto’s mediocre legacy continues to this day. A sub-Reddit was created in 2015 titled ‘Scott Minto Bronze statue. This NEEDS to happen.’ Hopefully one day we will be able to bathe in the dual glory of bronze statues of the great Wally Lewis and even greater Scott Minto.
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