Maroons great Matt Scott eager for Outback Muster

Cloncurry will be buzzing when the QRL Outback Senior Muster comes to town this weekend and one of Ilfracombe's favourite sons can't wait to take it all in this Saturday.

Former Maroons prop Matt Scott - FOG #155 - will be getting involved, joining fellow ambassadors in former Queensland women's representative Heather Ballinger  - QRP #80 - and current Norths Devils skipper Kierran Moseley at the carnival.

Scott, who will be helping out the Central West men's team, said he was looking forward to the "good vibe" and great footy coming on Saturday.

"I like being involved. They're just really good, country carnivals. It's clean, a lot of fun, tough footy but played in the right spirit," he said.

"They're just good to be a part of and I think any opportunity for guys and girls from the bush to play in a carnival and test themselves against other people around the state is an exciting opportunity.

"It's hard to play footy out west. There's a lot of travel involved, people work away in mining or farming, so it's not easy for them to play rugby league, so it genuinely means a lot to them when they get an opportunity, so these carnivals are a bit of a reward for playing well... and making an effort to play footy in the bush."

Scott said Cloncurry Recreation Grounds were looking a treat to boot in what is the 20th edition of the Outback Senior Muster and the second time it has been held in Cloncurry.

"They've had a pretty good wet season in Cloncurry, so there's a bit of grass on the pitch," he said.

"It's a really great community. I've been out there quite a bit since I retired, I've got a business that does a bit of work around Cloncurry, so I know it's a great region, they really embrace rugby league and the community is really excited to have the carnival out there, so I'm looking forward to going out."

Queensland Outback teams will be selected at the conclusion of the carnival, with the teams to participate in the XXXX 47th Battalion Memorial Carnival being held in Kingaroy on July 13-14, adding to the incentive.

"I think any time you pull on a representative jersey, and I'm speaking as a Queenslander from central Queensland, I know what the emblem means at the Outback level or the State of Origin level, it's something that any sportsperson aspires to and I know the players get so much out of playing in that jersey, so I know there is a fair bit on the line for them," Scott said.

Women's matches will be contested in 20-minute halves while men's matches will be 30-minute halves. Entry is free.

Schedule

9am: Gates open

10am: Men - Central West v Northern Outback

11.30am: Women - Northern Outback v Southern Outback

12.30pm-1pm: Junior activities

1.10pm: Men - South West v Central West

2.30pm: Women – Northern Outback v Southern Outback

3.45pm: Men - Northern Outback v South West 

Squads

Men

Northern Outback

Trent Lyons, Graham Ellis, Clay George, Elijah Joe, Kieran Ned, Haupeke Brown, Marty Paulson, Chavez Hegarty, Gordon Barry, Daniel Seitula, Dalex Loogatha, Harlem Russell, Lance Cope, Simeona Tala-Sio, Trevor Henry, Sage Marshall, Travis Pickering, Blake Dirdi, Jarvis George, Nesta Tutunoa. Shadow players: Kaitu Ioane, Lionel Tiraa

Central West

1. James Moller, 2. Gabriel Haistad, 3. Ezeikel Thompson, 4. Will Bernie, 5. Kelly Remfrey, 6. Creedon Weir, 7. Riley Dempsey, 8. Alex Choyce (C), 9. Jake Balke, 10. Casey Young, 11. Logan Hauff, 12. Matt Price, 13. Chris Doyle, 14.Trent Hoad, 15. Sahlie Komndi, 16. Will Goodman, 17. TC Boyle

South West

1. Will Beitz, 2. Manoa Masi Tudia, 3. Tom Baron, 4. Connor Larkman, 5. Ryan Rayner, 6. Ollie Peak, 7. Cameron Bartley, 8. Chris Gelhaar, 9. Joey Packer, 10. Jesse Bellett, 11. Matt Newton, 12. Tasman Coombes, 13. Matt Eising, 14. Andrew Hart, 15. Isaac Page, 16. Kalab Boston, 17. Beau Petfield, 18. Sam Whiley, 19. Riley Petfield

Women

Northern Outback

Caitlyn Pascoe, Leela Foster, Minyarta Rigby Wheeler, Nikita Aitkens-Kum-Sing, Yasmin Crebbin, Jordan Marshall, Shakiah Douglas, Chyma Henley, Noreena Sam, Chanice Kum Sing, Hannah McCarthy, Gabrielle Holder, Deni-Jay Drake, Jessica McCracken, Shyniah Heness, Carly Cooper, Seani Bradshaw-Daniel, Hannah Clarke, Gracie Ryder, Hannah Smith. Shadow players: Rachel Bain, Marisse Bee, La Schaya Body

Southern Outback

1. Daniella Mudu, 2. Abbey Cowley, 3. Amber Abell, 4. Nikyta Cambell, 5. Mayvis Thompson, 6. Chontelle George, 7. Rachel Bain, 8. Holly Callaghan, 9. Caitlin Steel, 10. Emily Dicinoski, 11. Leonie May, 12. Natalie Newton, 13. Nadia Hoad, 14. Chrystal Leonard, 15. Marisse Bee, 16. Sharlene Hill, 17. Sarah Parker, 18. Bernadette Daley. Coach: Heather Ballinger