Matt Scott could make a stunning return from a knee reconstruction after being included in North Queensland’s 21-man squad for Saturday’s preliminary NRL final.
Scott was on Tuesday named on an extended bench to take on the Sydney Roosters, however coach Paul Green is adamant the Cowboys co-captain is unlikely to play.
“If everyone gets through the week, he won’t play. But he’s worked really hard through the year since his injury to put himself in the frame,” Green said on Tuesday.
“I think he wanted me to name him, so given he’s one of our captains and he’s worked as hard as what he has, I at least owe him that.
“As long as everyone gets through training, I don’t expect the team to change.”
Forward Coen Hess (knee) and winger Antonio Winterstein (ribs) both picked up knocks in last week’s semi-final win over Parramatta but Green insisted neither is in doubt for the clash.
Both are expected to participate in the team’s first training session of the week on Wednesday.
“They’re fine. It’s just a bit sore, (Hess will) be fine. He finished the game, so that’s always a good sign. He’s pulled up really well, so he’ll be right,” Green said.
Green said Scott had ticked all the boxes in his rehabilitation but admitted asking him to play would be a “calculated risk”.
A possible grand final return however, could be a possibility.
“He’s done everything he’s had to do, not only here but away from here as well. And he’s at seven months, there’s guys that have played AFL and league earlier than that,” Green said.
“It’s not out of the realms of possibility he plays, but I’m not intending to play him this week.
“It’d come down to medical advice. At this stage, yeah they’ve said there’s a risk, but it’d be a calculated risk. He certainly wouldn’t be playing 80 minutes.”
Green also said Scott, who hasn’t played since their round-two win over Brisbane, accepted being left out of their best 17 following their courageous push deep into the finals.
Shaun Fensom will start at prop alongside Scott Bolton, with John Asiata and Corey Jensen joining Hess on the interchange bench.
“It was the first thing I said (to him). They’re the guys that have done the job for us and he’s completely comfortable with that,” Green said.
Rob
Guest
It's a big call but I was half suspecting he could come into the mix if the Cowboys made it past the first week of the finals, With all due respect to Shaun Fensom I think M. Scott half fit would be twice as damaging carrying the football. JT 13 has been doing the work of 2 forwards carrying the football earlier than usual in the set. Taumalolo can be even more damaging coming off the back of a M. Scott charge. The team is in a lot better shape physically and mentally than they were last time they met the Roosters in my opinion.
Jimmmy
Guest
If Matt Scott takes the field this year I will fall off my couch but gee I hope he does . Thumper is everything good about North QLD. Common Greeny give him 15 minutes a half and tell him to go hard.
Craig
Guest
Would be great to see him return in the gf! What a story.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
As much chance of playing as me
BigJ
Roar Guru
Theyll do the same for JT for gf if they beat the Roosters. Plus it will be JT's 300th
Peter Phelps
Guest
He will probably do a 10 minute slot some where as a morale booster.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
It could be interesting if Hess' knee plays up. Would Scott be named ahead of Uele? How many minutes will he play? I'm hoping North Queensland make it through to the big dance, what a fairytale that would be. Ride 'em Cowboys!