North Queensland coach Paul Green admits he was concerned by speculation linking Test prop Matt Scott to Newcastle.
But Scott claimed he was never going to leave the NRL club after signing a two-year deal that's set to make him a Cowboy for life.
Scott - 32 in July - agreed to a contract extension until the end of the 2019 season.
It was a relief for Green especially after reading Scott was "prepared to go elsewhere" if it was in the best interests of his young family.
Adding to Green's anxiety were reports that the Knights were prepared to offer a $2.5 million, three-year deal from 2018 to the Queensland enforcer.
However, Scott said the Cowboys were always his priority.
"I wanted to stay despite what was written," he said.
"Certain things can get taken out of context.
"This club has been as good to me as I think I have been to it.
"I was always confident if I could get a Cowboys deal ...then that was the best result for me."
Green admitted he wasn't so sure despite reports Newcastle withdrew their deal after Scott suffered a season-ending knee injury a fortnight ago.
"I was a bit concerned throughout that process but we got the best outcome," Green said.
"It's good for the game and good for the club and shows it's not just all about money."
Scott's deal further bolsters a Cowboys pack that welcomes Melbourne forward Jordan McLean next season after re-signing rising star Coen Hess until 2019 and Dally M Medallist Jason Taumalolo on a massive 10-year contract.
It is also a shot in the arm after losing Test prop James Tamou to Penrith and Queensland enforcer Ben Hannant to retirement in the off-season.
Scott is now set to finish his career as a one club man after making his NRL debut with the Cowboys in 2004 as an 18-year-old schoolboy.
"That's very important to me," Scott said.
"I've always looked at guys like (one club Cowboys) Aaron Payne, Paul Bowman and Matty Bowen.
"Seeing that respect and the pride those guys have for the jersey made me want to become a one club player."
Scott was counting his blessings after announcing the deal and believed his knee injury was one of them.
Scott will sit out 2017 due to the round-two setback but is confident the layoff may help him recapture his best form.
"I'm devastated to be missing out on this year," said Scott, who has been plagued by neck and back injuries throughout his career.
"(But) for longevity it (injury) is probably a blessing in disguise.
"I think I've played something like 30 games a year for the last nine or 10 years."
Share
