North Queensland Toyota Cowboys life member and premiership winner Matthew Scott will return to the club for the 2022 NRL season to facilitate the Cowboys Leadership Program.
Scott will meet with the Cowboys NRL squad’s leadership group weekly throughout the season and will also observe training sessions.
His role was designed to educate the leadership group and provide guidance on their behaviours, which will be catered to their own individual leadership style.
One of the greatest forwards in Cowboys history, Scott appeared in 268 games for the club over a extraordinary 16-year career. He also registered 22 games apiece for both Queensland and Australia.
As a leader, Scott oversaw the most successful period in Cowboys history. He was named Cowboys co-captain alongside Johnathan Thurston at the age of 25 prior to the 2011 season and would never miss the finals in eight seasons as skipper.
He was named Dally M Captain of the Year, alongside Thurston, in 2015 as the pair guided the Cowboys to their historic maiden premiership.
“I have seen Matt’s leadership firsthand over a number of years and I believe his ability to create relationships and how he articulates his message is suited to the leaders in our playing group,” Cowboys Head Coach Todd Payten said.
“Matt is universally respected not just at our club, but throughout the NRL and he has lived the message he is going to impart on our players, which is extremely important.
“I know how much this club means to Matt and to have his passion back inside our building is one of the main reasons we earmarked him for this role.”
Scott said he was thrilled to receive the opportunity to undertake a hands-on role with the playing group.
“I am honoured to be back playing a small role in the club again. I always wanted to stay in touch with the club and the team in particular and to have a role with the leadership group helping the future of our club is very exciting,” he said.
“I am there to help them more than anything else. These guys are in this group because they have the attributes to be leaders of this great club and my role will be to impart some of my experiences and knowledge I gained throughout a long career playing alongside some the best leaders our game has ever seen.”
