said.I think that at any time captains will have challenging

Injuries may be taking their toll but warhorse North Queensland prop Matt Scott is being backed to play until at least 2020 by someone who knows whats it takes - Petero Civoniceva.Scott has been placed in cotton wool by the Cowboys ahead of Friday nights NRL preliminary final against Cronulla at Allianz Stadium.The North Queensland prop is nursing a list of ailments including a bulging disc in his back and was in obvious pain during last weeks extra-time semi-final win over Brisbane.Still, the 31-year-old this week backed himself to not only step up in the Cowboys title defence but also play on until at least the end of 2020.Long-serving Test prop Civoniceva believed Scott - off contract in 2017 - had at least four seasons left despite the Cowboys front rowers worrying ailments.Civoniceva - who played until the age of 36 - said experience and age could also work in Scotts favour.For sure he can keep going. Obviously it is up to how his body responds, Civoniceva told AAP.The week to week grind can take its toll but knowing Matt, he is the ultimate professional.And that comes easier when you get older.He has learned that the longer you play the better you understand your body and know what works and what doesnt work.Scott said this week that he hoped to re-sign until at least 2020 with contract talks to start in the off-season.Civoniceva - State of Origins most capped prop with 33 for Queensland - saluted ex-Maroons teammate Scotts durability in his 13th season.That just shows his toughness, he said.No one can ever question that about him, he just rolls up the sleeves and gets on with it.Last week you could see he was in discomfort but its a testament to his mental and physical strength.No doubt he will again lead from the front on Friday night.Scott underwent off-season surgery on a bulging disc in his neck.Cowboys coach Paul Green hinted that his co-captain may require some more medical assistance after their 2016 campaign.He copped an elbow (in the back) early against Brisbane which added just one more thing to the list of stuff he has to deal with on a weekly basis, Green said.I dont want to understate what he has to put himself through to get himself on the paddock.But there is nothing that stops him from functioning. 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Brisbane AFL skipper Tom Rockliff will almost certainly be at the Lions next year, according to his manager.Speculation has been rife that the club would look to trade Rockliff after their disastrous season that cost coach Justin Leppitsch his job earlier this week.But Stride Sports Managements Tom Petroro told SEN on Saturday that he is 99 per cent certain that the 26-year-old will be at the embattled club next year.Toms preparing to be at the Brisbane Lions ... hes working on his program that hes been given by them, Petroro said.Were not going to talk to any other clubs.The key people that I deal with (at the club) have all got good relationships with him and are all really comfortable in wanting him to be there.Petroro said reported divisions between Rockliff and Leppitsch and sections of the playing group were wide of the mark.Tommy and Leppa had a really good chat on Monday night (hours after he was sacked) ... they had a really good relationship, he said.I think that at any time captains will have challenging relationships with their coacch because thats part of their role.ddddddddddddThere are times where theyll butt heads. I reckon there were a few weeks when Tom and Leppa havent agreed on things but I can tell you when it ended they had a really good relationship.Rockliff had been actively seeking to extend his current contract, that ends at the end of next season, but fuelled speculation of a possible move when he withdrew a contract offer mid-year.Its been widely reported throughout the year that we had some troubles trying to re-contract Tom, Petroro said.Leppa was calling me and telling me that I had to get (the deal) done because it was important for the footy club.The biggest issue was we never received a counter-offer so I was negotiating with myself and then I put another (offer) in and didnt get one back.Petroro said he is comfortable with where Rockliffs contract situation sits after conversations with Lions chief executive Greg Swann. ' ' '