Heroes of Yesteryear, Mega Interview 3 - 3 March 2016 - Colin Scott
Where did you grow up?
Townsville with good mate Gene Miles
What was your childhood like ?
I am of aboriginal decent and was adopted a raised by a non-indigenous family. I was into boxing first and was a golden gloves boxer two times, my family got me out of boxing because it was interfering with my school work and they got me into footy which was even worse. I loved football so much and played as often as I could.
Did you collect footy cards as a kid ?
I did, there was some bubblegum cards in Townsville, but not from the Sydney football competition. I remember they had a puzzle on the back.
What was your first football experience?
As a 10 year old I used to stay up late watching test matches played in England until 3 am. As a kid I was lucky enough to meet Des Morris and Arthur Beetson, what I remember most about them was that they were very humble, they did not have big heads and were basically gentleman
Who were your footballing heroes as a kid ?
I was a Canterbury supporter so I liked Stan Cutler and then Steve Mortimer. Big Arthur Beetson of course.
Your first time in the top grade?
Played for Townsville A-Grade with my good mate Gene Miles. I am still dirty with him, he was selected for A-Grade before me, however I was selected to play for QLD before him in 1979
Greatest memories of playing rugby league?
My greatest moment in my footballing career was running out behind big Artie Beetson for the first ever State of Origin clash.
There are four standouts in my career. Three of which I was involved in the first, 1st State of Origin, 1st Combined Brisbane side to win a midweek comp and in the 1st Brisbane Broncos team:
1 Playing for Wynnum Manly between 1981 to 1987, winning the premiership with them and playing with my good mate Gene Miles and many other legends.
2 Playing in the first State of Origin clash. I had already played in the interstate series against the likes of Arthur Beetson. I will never forget when Arthur Beetson walked through the QLD dressing shed door and he said how you going Scotty... I couldn't believe he knew my name. I went outside and found a phone box, this is a long time before mobile phones, and I called my mum to tell her this. I remember thinking what am I doing here amongst these legends
3 Playing for the Combined Brisbane side in 1984 and winning the AMCO Cup. We defeated Easts in the final by one point only
4 Playing for the Brisbane Broncos in 1988. Actually I was wearing the number 1 jersey for both the first Brisbane side and the first QLD SOO sides however on both occasions my number was shifted to number 2, not that I would argue as the captains received the number 1's, they being Arthur Beetson for Orgin and Wally Lewis for Brisbane, both immortals.
What was the difference between QLD and NSW in the early Origin games?
In the first game NSW didn't expect such a tough game, we were ready to play. QLD had been in camp for a week in preparation for the match where NSW were recovering from playing club matches in Sydney just days beforehand. QLD really wanted to win this match, Ron McAuliffe offered the players $1000 for a win compared to $200 which was offered for the interstate matches. In those days it was pretty relaxed, there was no mental preparation, you were just thrown your jersey.
How was it playing for the Brisbane Broncos?
Wayne Bennett was an opposition coach during my QLDRL football career and it was difficult to come under him at the Broncos. I was 28 years old and set in my ways and at the end of the 1988 season Wayne Bennett told me I was going to be the second choice fullback, which I took offence to and told him to jam that. Now I reflect on this and realise he was testing my attitude. He said the same thing to Michael Hancock for the wing position, and Michaels attitude was I will prove to you I am the best winger you have. Michael was a young up and comer, I had already been around for a long time.
Who was your most respected rival?
Joe Kilroy and Gary Belcher for QLD and Greg Brentnall and Gary Jack for NSW
When did you know it was time to give the game away?
When Wayne Bennett told me I would be second choice fullback
What followed after football?
Went on to coach the Mareeba side in QLD and we beat the so called un-beatables side. Coaching kept me physically conditioned. I learnt a lot from Wayne Bennett as a coach and reading his book "Leagues a lot like life" I learnt a lot about dealing with a variety of different personalities and bringing them all together through coaching, which is very rewarding.
How has the game changed since your playing days?
The game is too structured now, I prefer the flamboyant style from my playing days
Did you keep a scrap book?
I have a pile of clippings in a suitcase