Scott shows guts
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2013/04/22/379801_sport.html
ANTONY STEWART | April 22nd, 2013
THE debate over rugby league players valuing state call-ups over their national colours has ended with Matt Scott.
North Queensland's inspirational co-captain showed how much representing Australia means to him when he brushed aside debilitating pain to play a leading hand in the Kangaroos' 32-12 win over New Zealand on Friday.
Scott revealed that pre-game in Canberra a stomach virus had given him such extreme cramps he could not breathe.
"I missed out on most of the warm-up, but I would never have sat out (the Test) for a stomach bug," the prop said defiantly.
"It was just really uncomfortable and it wrecked the preparations a little bit.
"Luckily enough, we had a fair rotation with 12 interchanges and I could come off and on a little bit."
Rugby league has often been criticised for its players having more passion for State of Origin selection over Test, but no more.
The 27-year-old Cowboy still started and lasted 13 minutes before being visibly distressed and having to come off with cramps.
Scott hunched over on the sideline before eventually heading back to the Australia dressing sheds to receive treatment.
He returned to complete a solid 38-minute game, making 78m and 27 tackles, while he also set up the opening try for halfback Cooper Cronk.
"I was pretty happy with that. I would have liked to have got over myself (for a try), but I'm pretty happy with a try assist - I don't get too many of them," Scott said with a smile.
"I was just happy to get through and get a half-decent game out."
Fellow Cowboy and prop partner James Tamou was a stand-out for the Kangaroos, running a game-high 151m from 14 hit-ups.
Despite the comfortable 20-point margin, Scott said Australia must improve considerably to be any hope if taking back the World Cup trophy from New Zealand at the tournament in the United Kingdom later this year.
The under-strength Kiwis were level at halftime (6-all) and were arguably unlucky not to lead at the break.
"With Benji (Marshall) and Sonny Bill (Williams) and (Simon) Mannering out, they were slightly understrength," Scott said.
"They have got a great deal of depth at the moment and (the first half) is the style they play.
"The scoreline was fairly flattering, getting away with a few points in the second half."
Scott hoped the trio of Cowboys, including five-eighth Johnathan Thurston, had done enough to secure their World Cup berths. "It's always great to win a Test match, but hopefully that puts a foot in the door for most of us," he said.
North Queensland's eight representative players, who were playing across the two Tests and yesterday's City-Country Origin match, will return to Cowboys training tomorrow.
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2013/04/22/379801_sport.html
ANTONY STEWART | April 22nd, 2013
THE debate over rugby league players valuing state call-ups over their national colours has ended with Matt Scott.
North Queensland's inspirational co-captain showed how much representing Australia means to him when he brushed aside debilitating pain to play a leading hand in the Kangaroos' 32-12 win over New Zealand on Friday.
Scott revealed that pre-game in Canberra a stomach virus had given him such extreme cramps he could not breathe.
"I missed out on most of the warm-up, but I would never have sat out (the Test) for a stomach bug," the prop said defiantly.
"It was just really uncomfortable and it wrecked the preparations a little bit.
"Luckily enough, we had a fair rotation with 12 interchanges and I could come off and on a little bit."
Rugby league has often been criticised for its players having more passion for State of Origin selection over Test, but no more.
The 27-year-old Cowboy still started and lasted 13 minutes before being visibly distressed and having to come off with cramps.
Scott hunched over on the sideline before eventually heading back to the Australia dressing sheds to receive treatment.
He returned to complete a solid 38-minute game, making 78m and 27 tackles, while he also set up the opening try for halfback Cooper Cronk.
"I was pretty happy with that. I would have liked to have got over myself (for a try), but I'm pretty happy with a try assist - I don't get too many of them," Scott said with a smile.
"I was just happy to get through and get a half-decent game out."
Fellow Cowboy and prop partner James Tamou was a stand-out for the Kangaroos, running a game-high 151m from 14 hit-ups.
Despite the comfortable 20-point margin, Scott said Australia must improve considerably to be any hope if taking back the World Cup trophy from New Zealand at the tournament in the United Kingdom later this year.
The under-strength Kiwis were level at halftime (6-all) and were arguably unlucky not to lead at the break.
"With Benji (Marshall) and Sonny Bill (Williams) and (Simon) Mannering out, they were slightly understrength," Scott said.
"They have got a great deal of depth at the moment and (the first half) is the style they play.
"The scoreline was fairly flattering, getting away with a few points in the second half."
Scott hoped the trio of Cowboys, including five-eighth Johnathan Thurston, had done enough to secure their World Cup berths. "It's always great to win a Test match, but hopefully that puts a foot in the door for most of us," he said.
North Queensland's eight representative players, who were playing across the two Tests and yesterday's City-Country Origin match, will return to Cowboys training tomorrow.
