Scott ready to be an big Origin hit - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Scott ready to be an big Origin hit

By Wayne Heming 17/05/2006 06:50:33 PM Comments (0)

NSW tormentor Carl Webb says raw-boned rugby league rookie Matt Scott has what it takes to be an instant Origin hit in next week's series opener in Sydney.

Scott, 20, has wisely baulked at making any bold predictions about his Origin debut or whether the "Matt Who?" chant awaiting him in Sydney would fire him up in his debut on Wednesday night.

"I don't need any more motivation than playing a State of Origin," said the most inexperienced player to pull on a Queensland jumper.

"That's all the motivation anyone should need.

"Obviously not many people in Sydney know of me ... yet.

"I'm not going to make any predictions, I'm playing State of Origin, that's more than what I ever dreamt of doing."

Webb, who'll provide his own special fireworks off the bench, knows all about being an Origin hit.

He can lay claim to one of the great individual tries as a young forward, ploughing his way through a sea of Blue defenders to score on debut in 2001.

And last year he engaged NSW forward Luke Bailey in an unforgettable and match-turning confrontation, which typified his commitment to Queensland and the uncompromising manner in which he plays his football.

Webb and Bailey smashed each other on two occasions before Webb lined up his antagonist with a huge tackle that jolted the ball from his grasp.

His display of aggression lifted the weary Maroons and drew praise from Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer who felt his passion inspired his teammates at a period when they were down and almost out.

"I think he's made to play Origin," predicted Webb of his 20 year-old Cowboy's teammate, stunningly named to make his debut in the second-row after playing just 14 NRL games since his debut against Parramatta in late in 2004.

"He's fit, he's young and he's big and strong.

"He's just so suited to it and I'm tipping he'll be awesome for Queensland."

Scott, who hails from Infracombe, a small town of about 200 people just outside of Longreach in the rugged Queensland outback, was keeping his emotions in check and letting his shock starting selection sink in slowly.

"I'm trying hard not to get too worked up," said Scott, one of seven rookies in Queensland's youthful side under new coach and former Origin icon, Mal Meninga.

"I always wondered as a kid what playing an Origin would be like, it's what kids dream about.

"I know next Wednesday night is going to be a massive occasion.

"I didn't think it was going to happen this year.

"I'm pretty surprised but definitely pleased to be in the side. To actually be named in the starting side is unreal.

"I can't really describe it, I don't think it's actually sunk in yet."

Scott is expecting NSW's tried and tested pack to put his character under heavy scrutiny.

"As a young player a lot of guys are going to test me out," said Scott.

"If there's aggression, I want it to be controlled, I'm not going to go out there and do anything stupid."

Webb, a former top amateur boxer, said he wasn't sure how he'd handle the emotions of his seventh Origin game.

"I can't predict what I'll do on the night, I don't think any player can," said the 25-year-old enforcer.

"I've always aspired to play for Queensland, there's nothing tougher.

"I'm a passionate Queenslander."

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