THE North Queensland Cowboys have announced the sad news that co-captain Matt Scott's mother Dianne has lost her battle with throat cancer.

Scott has withdrawn from the Cowboys' NRL clash with Canberra in Townsville on Saturday night after his mother passed away last night.

A minute's silence will be observed before the match in her memory.

The Cowboys will finalise their 17 later on Friday.

Dianne Scott's plight first came to prominence when Matt delayed his arrival at Queensland's Origin II camp to be at his mother's side.





Originally published as Scott ruled out as tragedy hits