It was confirmed last week that exiled NRL centre Curtis Scott wouldn’t be able to play in the competition in 2024, sparking suggestions that the 26-year-old could be available for Super League sides to enquire about.
The former NRL champion hasn’t played since the 2021 campaign after Canberra Raiders terminated his contract, Scott having been involved in a number of legal issues regarding his partner.
He was then officially convicted of; assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and stalk/intimidate with the intention of causing fear or physical harm, charges that landed him a 12-month community corrections order.
Having served that and made assurances to the NRL that he has stopped drinking he had tried to reapply, but the knock-back as reported by the Daily Telegraph means he’s now likely set for a code switch or even a Super League move.
Whilst the off the field issues present a major hurdle in themselves we have seen Super League sides take chances on exiled Aussies, and Scott could be the latest in that line with plenty of clubs needing a centre.
There wasn’t a doubt over the centre’s talent with Scott racking up 21 tries in his 72 NRL appearances which saw him land a Grand Final with Melbourne Storm and a World Club Challenge win over Leeds Rhinos too.
Now that the NRL isn’t an option for 2024, here’s the possible Super League destinations for him.
Catalans Dragons
The Dragons have lost plenty of their squad from the 2023 season that saw them head to the Grand Final but one of the significant losses is Adam Keighran, the Australian making the switch to Wigan Warriors. Keighran had only joined the Perpignan club before the 2023 season but after impressing he earned a move to Wigan. His absence will be massive at the club and was part of the reason that Tom Johnstone had such a brilliant season. Adding a centre into the mix and using their remaining quota spot could be a possibility for Steve McNamara’s side.
St Helens
Saints have been very open about their pursuit of a centre, the Red Vee specifically leaving the number three shirt vacant when confirming their squad numbers for the upcoming season. Following Will Hopoate’s release the club are searching for a replacement, and Scott could fit the bill. Paul Wellens’ side confirmed that their search is both domestic and overseas, firmly putting the 26-year-old in the target window.
London Broncos
The Broncos are the Super League new boys and given that they went on such a late season run and unexpected play-off run, their squad does seem somewhat undercooked for Super League. Reports from the Mole of Wide World of Sports have suggested that they’re making a move for Manly’s unwanted hooker Karl Lawton, which could suggest a trend of the capital club trying to acquire whatever overseas talent is left available. That’s very much what Scott represents and with the club one of few Super League sides with available quota spots then it could mark a surprise landing spot.
