NRL star Matt Scott is in hospital after suffering a stroke.

Scott became unwell as the North Queensland Cowboys were travelling back to Townsville from Newcastle on Sunday morning.

When they stopped over in Brisbane, Scott was taken off the plane and rushed to hospital where it was confirmed he had suffered a mild stroke.

The club says “doctors are confident the stroke was unrelated to football” and are confident the 34-year-old will make a full recovery.

“Everyone is just processing the news at the moment”

WATCH: https://t.co/3pVgCkRVcA#ridemcowboys pic.twitter.com/qSJliVGUyh

— NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) August 20, 2019

Coach Paul Green has addressed the media saying the situation is “pretty serious”.

“Pretty upsetting news to be honest and I think everyone’s just sort of processing it at the moment.

“That’s not what he expected. We knew he was pretty crook coming off the flight but for it to be what it is, it’s quite surprising and I think everyone’s a little bit taken aback by what’s happened.”

Scott is retiring at the end of the season, having played 268 games for the Cowboys as well as representing Queensland and Australia.

Coach Green says it’s unlikely Scott will play in the NRL again.

“It’s pretty serious. I’d be surprised if he does play again but I think that’s the least of his worries at this stage.”

Full statement from North Queensland Cowboys

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys prop Matt Scott suffered a mild stroke on Sunday.

Doctors are confident the stroke was unrelated to football and he is expected to make a full recovery.

The retiring Cowboys legend remains in hospital in Brisbane and a Townsville return date remains unclear.

The Cowboys will continue to provide Matt and his family all possible support and the club would ask media to respect the privacy of the Scott family during this time.