Peter Robert Ian Scott

Peter Scott was a fast, skilful, naturally talented and goal-kicking centre three-quarter who enjoyed a brief career in Wallaby gold before an injury and the emergence of Dick Marks brought an end to his international career.

Born in Bombay, India, Scott was educated at Telopea Park Secondary School in the ACT. He played his club football for Canberra Royals and went on to represent the ACT for 12 seasons (1958-69). Scott also had a long nine-year representative career for New South Wales Country (1959-67) and twice toured with them to New Zealand.

In 1961 Scott made his debut for New South Wales against Queensland at North Sydney Oval. A fortnight later he was selected for New South Wales against Fiji but fractured his cheekbone in three places just two weeks before the first Test. The following year he helped New South Wales to an upset 12-11 win over New Zealand where he and his fellow centre Beres Ellwood “never shirked their responsibility” in defence. That performance earned him a Test debut in Brisbane just seven days later.

Scott played both matches in that series before a blood clot in his upper arm saw him miss the trials for, and ultimately selection on, the return Wallaby tour to New Zealand later that same year. Scott’s absence saw a young Dick Marks assume the outside centre position, one that he then dominated for the best part of six seasons.

Peter Scott played two Tests for Australia in a one-year international career.

Highlights

1962

Scott won his first Test cap at outside centre alongside Beres Ellwood in the 1st Test, 6-20 loss to New Zealand in Brisbane. He retained his place in the side but shifted to inside centre to partner Rod Phelps in the 2nd Test, 5-14 defeat at the S.C.G.