Jason Taumalolo says Matt Scott is shattered to miss out on North Queensland’s 17-man NRL grand final team but admits he’s not surprised by Paul Green’s call.
Cowboys coach Green held a surprise press conference on Monday to announced co-captain Scott would only play in Sunday’s season decider against Melbourne if there was an unexpected injury.
Scott is set to be named in the Cowboys’ 21-man squad on Tuesday, but Green says he will only return from a knee injury if one of their forward pack goes down injured this week.
“As long as nothing happens injury-wise throughout the week, the same 17 will play on Sunday,” Green said.
“If that’s not the case, if we were to have something go against us, as a forward option Matt would come into the frame there.
“But they’re the guys that got us there, so they deserve to get the job done for us on the weekend.”
Taumalolo said Scott had been desperate to play for the first time since injuring his knee in round two.
“But to be honest I am probably not (surprised),” he said.
“The guys have taken the field the last three weeks have done their job well and deserve their spot in the grand final.
“Yeah I think he (Scott) was pretty disappointed…but whoever he was about to drop deserves their spot and a chance at winning a premiership.”
Taumalolo said Green’s call ensured there was one less distraction for North Queensland ahead of their second grand final in three years.
“I think it is good clarity. A few of the boys were a bit hesitant whether they would play or not but now we have that done and dusted at the start of the week and we can concentrate on the game and enjoy the grand final,” he said.
Scott was a shock inclusion in the Cowboys’ squad for their preliminary final win over the Sydney Roosters, sparking suggestions he could make an on-field return in the decider.
His return would be a significant boost for the Cowboys, given his experience as a Queensland State of Origin and Kangaroos Test front-rower.
But Green said Scott was comfortable with the decision.
“He’s fine,” Green said.
“He’s happy to help wherever he can. That’s what both our captains (along with Johnathan Thurston) have been doing. They’ve been trying to help wherever they can.”
Green gave a clean bill of health for his 17 despite Coen Hess (knee), Kyle Feldt (hamstring), Te Maire Martin (knee), Antonio Winterstein (ribs) and John Asiata (hand) carrying injuries.
