Scott should play NRL grand final: Walters

Queensland coach Kevin Walters has joined the call for Matt Scott to play in Sunday’s NRL grand final.

North Queensland’s Paul Green faces one of the toughest calls of his coaching career as he mulls a return this week for veteran prop Scott, who hasn’t played since round two due to a knee injury.

Opinion is split over the decision, with Cowboys stars Jason Taumalolo and Michael Morgan keen to see the co-captain face Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.

But rugby league greats Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer have expressed concern his fitness and ability to keep up with the decider’s pace.

Walters, who is unbeaten in two State of Origin series as Maroons coach, was adamant a fit Scott should play.

“You’d have to (pick Scott),” Walters told Sky Sports Radio on Monday.

“They’ve come so far without him and Johnathan Thurston, so I think it’s a real bonus for the Cowboys if he can play. Just give everyone a little bit of a lift.

“It’s a big decision, to put him in the side. If he is fit, I don’t think there’s any decision about it. He’s just got to go in.”

Green confirmed on Sunday the prop would again be named in his 21-man squad on Tuesday.

If he was to come into the side, it would most likely be in place of interchange forward Corey Jensen, who debuted for the Cowboys in round seven this year and has averaged 23 minutes off the bench.

Jensen played 25 minutes for 61 metres and 18 tackles in Saturday’s preliminary final win over the Sydney Roosters.

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