It's been a good two weeks for the North Queensland Cowboys, having ensured co-captain Matt Scott will finish his career as a Cowboy a week after securing Jason Taumalolo on a 10-year deal.
Young forward John Asiata is thrilled to have the club leader staying at the Cowboys after other clubs, including the Newcastle Knights, showed interest in securing the representative forward.
"It's a good thing for the club, it's good to see two big forwards and one of the top players in the game resign with the club and be a one-club man," Asiata said.
"To have him re-sign… it's a good boost for us younger boys to learn off him even more."
Asiata also spoke about his leadership off the field due to injury this year.
"His mentorship to us younger players has been tremendous since I've been here," he said.
"He helps us out a lot. Even now he's still doing a lot for us. He doesn't have to be in meetings but as a leader he is, he's in there telling us we've got to do this and that."
Coach Paul Green is similarly aware of how much of an influence Scott is at the club, and was happy to have the co-captain signed after a nervous wait.
"He's a terrific leader both on and off the field and to have him here for another two years is fantastic news for the club," Green said.
"His experience that he brings is invaluable and he's definitely got a role to play even though it might not be on the field for this year he will certainly have a role to play mentoring some of those younger forwards."
Despite being injured for the remainder of 2017, Matt Scott is pleased to have the opportunity to remain at the club, and is looking forward to being fit for the next two years.
"You've got to look at the positives. I'm devastated to be missing out on this year, I think we've got a great team and a great squad the boys will go extremely well," Scott said.
"For longevity it's probably a blessing in disguise, I think I've played something like 30 games a year for the last nine or 10 years.
"That takes its toll on a body and this year will give me an opportunity to not only work on the knee but just general strength and fitness that I haven't been able to improve on that much in the last couple of years in particular."
