Scott: We are taking Leeds seriously

Matt Scott says North Queensland are not in the UK for a holiday and are here to win the World Club Challenge against Leeds.

The Cowboys and Rhinos meet tonight at Headingley with the mantle of the world’s best team on the line.

“We want to win, we’re taking it very seriously,” Scott told Love Rugby League.

“It’s a great opportunity for our club coming off a first premiership and we get the chance to add another trophy in the cabinet.

“We’ve just spent a season in 35 degree heat. It’s going to be a challenge for us but I’m sure we’ll be able to adapt to the conditions.
“We’ve just got to embrace it, get out there and play.”

Scott, a Queensland and Australia representative, admits he doesn’t know a lot about the Cowboys’ opponents.

But he will come up against two fellow Aussies he knows well in the front row, in Rhinos props Keith Galloway and Adam Cuthbertson.

“Not a great deal, I don’t watch a huge amount of NRL let alone Super League,” the forward said.

“Obviously they are not the reigning premiers for no reason. I’ve caught the odd game on telly, they actually use the ball fairly well too.

“From memory their back five are particularly strong bringing them out of yardage.

“I know their games pretty well actually. Two quality players, I’ve played Tests with Keith before and Cuthbertson, we all know what he can do particularly with his offloads.

“That’s the most dangerous part of his game. Leeds have got some quality players in the mix.”

The Rhinos head into the game with several key injuries. Scott said Leeds’ injury problems won’t be entering North Queensland’s thoughts heading into the clash.

“We’re just worried about ourselves, I know it’s a cliché,” he said.

“That tends to bring the best out of sides. They’ll be playing back home and for a trophy as well so I’m sire that will bring the best out of them.”