Scott withdrawn from All Stars clash

North Queensland’s Matt Scott has been made unavailable for NRL All Stars selection due to an on-going back problem.

Scott, a member of the victorious Australia side that beat England in the Four Nations final in November, only resumed training with the Cowboys this week.

The club’s General Football Manager Peter Parr said Scott wouldn’t be ready for the NRL All Stars’ match with the Idigenous All Stars next month.

“Matthew’s last game with the Kangaroos was not that long ago at the end of November and he has had his short break before coming back to training this week,” Parr said.

“Unfortunately we can’t risk him playing in the All Stars game on such a short preparation – he would have only three weeks training with us before going into camp on the Coast – especially considering the back issues he is still dealing with.”

Scott had been the favourite Cowboys player in the public vote for the All Stars team ahead of experienced centre Brent Tate.

He will be replaced by former Brisbane forward Ashton Sims to stake a claim for contention in the match at the Gold Coast’s Skilled Stadium.

He joins Tate, Dallas Johnson and Kalifa Faifai Loa on the shortlist.