NRL: Scott still haunted by Cowboys' semi-final loss

Matt Scott. Photo / Getty Images

Despite enjoying a stellar individual campaign in 2011, North Queensland prop Matt Scott remains haunted by the Cowboys' stunning NRL semi-final implosion against Manly.

The Queensland and Australian star helped the Maroons to a sixth successive State of Origin series success last year, in addition to featuring in the Kangaroos' Four Nations success in the UK.

The Cowboys co-captain was also named as the world's best prop at a gala ceremony in London to go along with his place in the Dally M team of the year.

However, Scott said the awards did nothing to quell the pain of his side's 42-8 humiliation by the Sea Eagles at the Sydney Football Stadium in September.

It was a game in which Neil Henry's side conceded 42 unanswered second-half points, having led 8-0 at the interval, as their first finals match in four years ended in shambolic fashion.

Scott said the team will be using those memories as motivation in 2012 and believes the experience will have a galvanising effect.

"That semi-final loss was devastating for everyone involved with the club," Scott said.

"It's my main memory from last year. It is is my main goal to make sure we can go deeper into the finals and not let that happen again."

Scott's workload for club, state and country led to a back problem that blighted him throughout the Four Nations and the latter stages of last season when the Cowboys were struggling for form.

Although he doesn't need go under the surgeon's knife, the 26-year-old is conscious about managing the injury to ensure his availability.

"It is my main goal in the pre-season to work on my injury prevention," he said.

"It feels good at the moment and I've had a good break. But I don't want to be in a situation where I'm breaking down again midway through the season."

- AAP