Meninga to unite Roos: Scott

The Midas touch Mal Meninga used on Queensland will now help bring a fractured Kangaroos together, Test prop Matt Scott says.

There are fears that Australia will implode at the end-of-year Four Nations tournament in the UK after Maroons veteran Corey Parker admitted State of Origin tensions were at an all-time low.

Queensland are still seething after NSW skipper Paul Gallen turned his back on Cameron Smith and led the Blues away as the Maroons captain was receiving the Origin trophy during the post-game three ceremony at ANZ Stadium last week.

Scott admitted he would have preferred the Origin sledging remained on the field but believed the Kangaroos would unite under Meninga.

Queensland regrouped to win a record eight straight Origin series – and nine in 10 years overall – under Meninga.

Scott was confident Meninga – who took over the national reins this year – would weave his magic again for Australia at the Four Nations.

“Mal is really big on culture and what it means to represent your country – coming into the side he has really started to instill that,” Scott said.

“It’s always tough bringing in an Aussie team and getting it to gel.

“But there will still be guys there who have been playing together for a long time and when we wear that green and gold we are very passionate about our country.

“We are professionals.”

Scott believed Origin team relations could be salvaged.

“Banter has always been part of Origin. I would prefer to see it stay on the field but it’s all part of the build-up and hype,” he said.

“Origin has been going for more than 30 years now.

“Origin has had bigger rivalries than the last couple of weeks.

“I think it is pretty tame compared to some years.”

Scott said he had already buried the hatchet with Blues forward and North Queensland front row partner James Tamou, who leaves for NRL rivals Penrith next year.

“When we are back in Cowboys colours we are teammates,” he said.

“I would like to finish my partnership on a high.”

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