NRL: Cowboys veteran Matt Scott suffers 'mild stroke'

North Queensland Cowboys prop Matt Scott has suffered a 'mild stroke' over the weekend.

The news was released in a statement by the club on Tuesday, with the incident not believed to be related to football.

"Matt Scott suffered a mild stroke on Sunday," The statement read.

"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."

Scott stayed in Brisbane after reportedly feeling sick following the first leg of the team's trip home after Saturday's heavy defeat to Newcastle.

Set to retire after this season, 34-year-old Scott has played 268 NRL games over 16 seasons as well as 22 State of Origin games for Queensland and 22 Tests for Australia.

It is another blow in a tough year for coach Paul Green's team, who sit 15th with just seven wins this season.

Scott's setback follows a brain bleed to young talent Te Maire Martin and ruptured spleen to centre Justin O'Neill earlier this season.

-with AAP