State of Origin Player Profiles: Scott, Smith and Myles
Nick Fray, Origin Online and Over the Line Sports
Matthew Scott, Queensland
Front Row, North Queensland Cowboys
Origin Appearances: 15
Origin Tries: 0
Origin Status: Top of the props
Long regarded as one of the game’s leading front rowers, Cowboys big man Scott has incredibly elevated his game to another level in 2014, with many judges believing he is now the equal of past greats such as Glenn Lazarus and Shane Webcke at the position. In round 10 against the Broncos, Scott put on a front row master class that saw him become the first ever prop to be awarded a perfect ’10’ from Rugby League Week – one of the game’s rarest honours.
As captain of the Cowboys, Scott’s leadership qualities will be crucial for a Queensland side facing the greatest challenge to their Origin reign yet. The Maroons’ go-forward was noticeably lacking when Scott was off the field in Game One, and with no other true props in the Maroons squad he may called upon to play more minutes than normal in a bid to keep his side on the front foot for as much of the game as possible.
Scott – the best in the business Source: The Morning Bulletin
Cameron Smith, Queensland
Hooker, Melbourne Storm
Origin Appearances: 31
Origin Tries: 4
Origin Status: All-time great
There is literally nothing that can be said in this space that hasn’t already been said about a man who many believe will be the game’s next ‘Immortal’. His personal honour roll is the equal of any player from the modern era, including three grand final wins, a Dally M winner with an additional 10 Dally M category wins, and of course, being a key player in eight straight Queensland Origin victories.
In the Origin arena, it one of his lesser known accomplishments that signifies just how great of an impact he’s had at this level; Smith has won the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series three times. Since its inception in 2004, no other player has won it more than once. Yet Smith’s importance to the Queensland side goes beyond winning awards. Involved in almost every play of the game, Smith’s vision and feel for the game set him apart from his rivals and allow him to dictate terms against any opponent.
Queensland may be underdogs going into tonight’s big game, but history suggests any side with Cameron Smith in it can never be written off, regardless of the circumstances. Having overcome a high ankle sprain sustained in Game One, Smith will have a huge say in the outcome of the game and his experience and intelligence will ensure that even the slightest lapse from the Blues will be severely punished.
Nate Myles, Queensland
Front Row, Gold Coast Titans
Old School: Nate Myles Source: Zimbio
Origin Appearances: 24
Origin Tries: 1
Origin Status: The enforcer
Perhaps no player in the current Maroons squad better embodies the old-school Queensland spirit better than Nate Myles. Never the most athletic or gifted player, Myles has built a stellar career purely on grit, aggression and ticker to grow into one of Queensland’s favourite sons after being plucked from relative obscurity for his 2006 debut.
One particular incident in the 2013 series perfectly sums up Myles’s toughness – the Maroon was on the receiving end of a barrage of punches from Paul Gallen, a promising boxer, yet Myles was able to stand his ground, shrug it off and get back to business. In a side packed with electrifying superstars and prototypical forwards, Myles is a welcome throwback to a time when Queensland built their Origin aura on unflappable toughness, and his presence ensures his teammates remember that it takes more than just talent to be a true Maroons hero.
