One of rugby league’s worst kept secrets was confirmed last November when Melbourne’s premiership-winning centre Curtis Scott signed a four-year deal with Canberra.

Having only played nine games for the Storm last year, the 22-year-old had a forgettable 2019.

His form became inconsistent and he was relegated to Queensland Cup during a period that he described as a “time in my life where things weren’t going the best.”

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It was clear that Scott had become unsettled – not necessarily at the Storm – but maybe in Melbourne in general, so it came as no surprise when the club granted him a release two years early.

Former Storm centre Curtis Scott spent some time in Queensland Cup last season after his form dropped. Source: Getty Images

As a born-and-bred Shire boy – who has family in Sydney – Canberra might seem an odd choice, but Scott’s intention was to actually avoid Sydney for the benefit of his career.

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“(Signing with Canberra) was to stay out of the Sydney rat-race and the Sydney fishbowl. It’s a good place to just concentrate on footy and at the moment, that’s the most important thing – apart from my family – that’s going on in my life,” Scott told foxsports.com.au this week.

His young self would have disagreed with ever leaving Sydney though.

“If you asked me when I was 16 if I was ever going to play for Melbourne or Canberra I would of said ‘no chance’.

“I would have never seen myself going to either club, but I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and really happy about the decisions I’ve made.”

Scott started his rise to stardom in the Shire. He captained the Sharks’ SG Ball team and featured in their Under 20s team before the Storm snatched him up.

The elusive outside back was hot property when he signed with Melbourne – in fact it was reported that up to 12 other NRL clubs were vying for his signature at the same time.

He could have stayed in the comfort of the Shire – or just Sydney in general – but his maturity shone through to guide him down another path.

“I would have had too many distractions in Sydney and it just would have been a little bit too full on. It would have been easier for me to go out and end up … not in trouble, but just not take footy as serious as I did when I moved away and focused on it.

“I had to pick if I wanted to go down the wrong road or the right road and that’s why I originally went to Melbourne – to get the best out of myself and my football.

“And it’s the same with the opportunity to go to Canberra. I’m older now and make better decisions but I also just think it’s the best place for me to get the most out of my football.”

Other than being outside of Sydney, it’s not hard to guess what attracted Scott to the Green Machine. They were the most exciting team to watch last season and were inches away from winning the grand final.

“With the success they had last year and versing them, they’ve always been a really tough, aggressive side and always competed really hard. Ricky [Stuart] sends the right message and drills that into his boys,” he said.

“What I’ve seen this pre-season is something that’s exciting for the club and Canberra fans – everyone’s on board.”

Curtis Scott hopes to spend more time on the field in 2020 with the Raiders after battling injuries and dropped form last season. Photo credit: Canberra Raiders Source: Supplied

Scott is a welcomed addition to Canberra’s already star-studded back line, but it’s also left question marks over Joey Leilua’s place within the team.

However, Scott insists that no decisions have been made just yet on who will claim that right centre spot they’re both pushing for.

“I’m not too sure on his end but for me I’m just turning up to training and have the mindset to push for that position and hopefully when Round 1 comes around I’ll have earned the respect from the boys and coaches and I’ll get that jersey.”

If things went differently last season, Scott could have landed his State of Origin debut.

But with a fresh season ahead with a new club the sky’s the limit for this young star who still has his sights set on pulling on a New South Wales jersey.

“I’m not thinking about (Origin) but it’s a goal of mine obviously. I’ve had some pretty bad luck over the last few years. I got suspended in 2018 and then ended up breaking my foot in 2019, so hopefully I stay on the field longer this year.

“At the moment I just want to play every game for Canberra. If I’m playing every game then I’ll give myself every opportunity and will hopefully be in the ballpark (for a New South Wales selection), but for the moment I’m just trying to fight for a spot in this Raiders side.”