NRL great breaks down in heartbreaking announcement
North Queensland Cowboys great Matt Scott has teared up as he announced his retirement from the NRL at season’s end.
The 263-game veteran announced his decision on Friday morning, declaring he had given all he could to the game in his 16-year career.
Scott helped the Cowboys to their first premiership in 2015, as well as representing Queensland in State of Origin nine times, winning eight series.
He made his NRL debut for North Queensland in 2004.
In an emotional press conference, Scott said he had decided the time was right to walk away.
Former @QLDmaroons front-rower and @nthqldcowboys veteran Matt Scott has announced he will retire at the end of this season. He made his debut for the Cowboys as an 18-year-old in 2004 and has since made 263 appearances for the club. https://t.co/TfBn0cQPqQ #NRL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/9qh8ONhInS
— 7NEWS Townsville (@7NewsTownsville) July 19, 2019
Injuries have restricted Scott increasingly over the past three years and the Longreach product said his body could no longer take the toll of first-grade rugby league.
"I am still extremely passionate about this club and the game of rugby league, but 16 years of NRL has taken its toll on my body and it's time to stop," Scott said.
Cowboys director of football Peter Parr hailed Scott as the greatest forward in the club's history.
"There is absolutely no doubt that at the peak of his powers he was unrivalled as the best front rower in the world," Parr said.
"He's had an amazing career, one he and his family should be extremely proud of."
Scott has been named on the Cowboys' bench for Saturday's clash with South Sydney in Townsville.
WITH AAP
