Roosters a contender for North Queensland Cowboys prop Matt Scott

[PeeGee]

Roosters a contender for North Queensland Cowboys prop Matt Scott

• • The Roosters have emerged a surprise contender for the services of Matt Scott as the tri-colours' powerful board loses one of its biggest hitters.
  • Mark McInnes is stepping down as a director after more than a decade in the Roosters boardroom, considered one of the most influential in Australian sport and business. The former David Jones CEO, who created more than $2 billion of shareholder value during his time at the retail giant, resides in Melbourne and is keen to focus on his roles as the CEO of the Just Group and Premier Investments. Trackmaster Apparel CEO Andrew Crawford, a long-time member of the Roosters' chairman's club, will fill McInnes' spot.
  • McInnes is the biggest-name boardroom departure since James Packer, who went on to become the owner of arch-rivals South Sydney.
  • There could be a change for the Roosters on the field as well, with the club in the mix for the signature of Scott. Roosters officials met with Scott and his manager in Sydney late last year and are interested if the price is right.
  • The North Queensland prop, off contract at the end of the season, has publicly expressed his desire to test his market worth in what will be the his final playing payday. Newcastle have made no secret of their desire to lure him to the Hunter and the Knights would have the salary cap space to table a deal higher than other suitors.
  • However, the Knights are unlikely to be genuine premiership contenders in the short term – they are trying to avoid a third-straight wooden spoon – and the prospect of joining one of Sydney's glamour clubs may hold appeal. It's understood the Kangaroos veteran is also weighing up which decision is best for his post-football career options.
  • The Cowboys want Scott to end his NRL career where it began and the opportunity to become a one-club man has obvious appeal. However, the 2015 premiers have several other key players to retain, most notably superstar playmaker Johnathan Thurston.
  • The Roosters fought off interest from Queensland clubs to re-sign Dylan Napa until the end of 2019 and fellow forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has also committed long-term. However, they are still in the market for a quality prop.
  • Should Scott leave Townsville, the move would be akin to that made by another great Maroons front-rower, Petero Civoniceva, who left the Broncos for Penrith. Civoniceva said there were some similarities in the decision now facing Scott and backed the veteran forward to make the right call.
  • "No doubt it's a huge thing to undertake, having been at one club for such a long time," Civoniceva said.
  • "I thought I would never leave the Broncos but the way things panned out, to go to a club like Penrith was an exciting opportunity.
  • "I know for myself, late in my career, it actually prolonged my career. It was almost like I had to prove myself again to a new club, a new playing group, the supporters. I found it a real positive for me.
  • "I know Matt has a lot to weigh up, he's got a young family. He will go down as one of the greatest players to play in a North Queensland jersey, so it is a lot to comprehend.
  • "He is at the back-end of his career and has his family to think about, so I don't envy him having to make that decision.
  • "Matt Scott, being the type of player and man that he is, he will have a tremendous impact staying up in North Queensland or as a major and positive influence if he goes to another club."

[Darkone]

Agree....Matt Scott would be good option with Napa & JWH who's been hindered with injuries...

[Mickie Lane]

I reckon his manager is just using the Roosters to make sure that the Cowboys pay him top dollar.
He is a born & bred country boy & I couldnt see him leaving North Queensland.

[top_joe]

We have 2 tier-1 props in Napalm and JWH, this would mean one would get pushed out the door.

The clubs focus will no doubt be finding/retaining a solid bench prop or two, ala Samoa in 2015.

[Tommy Smith]

For the right price you wouldn't say no to one of the modern day great props.

But I can't imagine we'd offer more than the Cowboys. It's the Knights that you'd think will offer the big dollars to make him want to move.

[TheLoneRooster]

Agree, Scott's management playing the usual game to bid up Scott's final pay day. He will be a one club man and I certainly would prefer it that way as it would mean no Scott at the Roosters.

[Spirit of 66]

At 33, he'd be a one-year prospect. What he earns as a player in that year might be secondary to what can be offered to him post-career. If the Roosters have something attractive in that respect, he might well be recruited at a good price.

[ism22]

At 33, he'd be a one-year prospect. What he earns as a player in that year might be secondary to what can be offered to him post-career. If the Roosters have something attractive in that respect, he might well be recruited at a good price.

My personal opinion is that he's over-rated and frigging useless. However, he's clearly got a lot of rep experience and is rated by people who know a lot more than me about footy. Maybe an alright deal if we get him cheap?

He captained the Cowboys to a GF victory so I guess there's something in that? However, I've always thought of the Cowboys as being MASSIVE under-achievers given how many rep players they have. Their GF victory was a mixture of favourable ref decisions and rotten luck on behalf of Brisbane (another rigged team). I just reckon he'd treat Bondi like a transit lounge. He's from QLD, plays for QLD and has a kid... WHY would he come to Bondi to smash it out in 1 or 2 final NRL seasons for a price that would be tempting to us? Just can't see him doing it. IMO he'd only come here if we're offering BIG money, he's likely to win a premiership and Robbo's able to hook him up with a plum job in France after his contract has run out. Hmmm... maybe a lure there given Robbo's connections? Mere speculation though...