Matt Scott may have played his last game for North Queensland after the Cowboys co-captain was rubbed out for the rest of 2017 NRL season with a torn ACL.
Scott will undergo surgery after injuring his knee in Thursday night’s golden-point win over Brisbane.
The 31-year-old is off contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Penrith backrower Bryce Cartwright could play in Saturday’s NRL clash with Sydney Roosters after being cleared of a serious ankle injury.
It was feared Cartwright would miss a month after sustaining the knock in the Panthers’ 36-2 away win over Wests Tigers on Sunday.
But scans on Monday revealed the 22-year-old has bone bruising – a far less serious diagnosis than the initial expectations of a fracture.
The injury threatened to exacerbate a trying period for the talented forward, who has been under media scrutiny over an ex-partner’s claims following an abortion.
He left the field in the 15th minute on Sunday, ending the game on the bench in pain and sporting a moonboot.
Penrith coach Anthony Griffin initially feared Cartwright may have aggravated a previous injury.
“He’s got a plate in his leg from a previous broken ankle,” coach Anthony Griffin said on Sunday.
“He’s got a lot of pain over the top of that so the doctor wants to get it scanned. There’s a number of things it could be.
“He doesn’t know (how bad it is). He got a whack on it and it got to the point where he couldn’t play with it.”
Cartwright will be monitored by medical staff throughout the week as he attempts to regain fitness by Saturday for the Panthers’ clash with the undefeated Roosters at Pepper Stadium.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
One thing that does work is that only Granville, Asiata and Bolton would need rotating.
Rob
Guest
Some Bench players average 15-20 min I was thinking Mosby could cause some real head aches coming of the bench late in the game. Linnett should be on the bench in my opinion like Ben Smith was at Paramatta. He can cover a injury in the backs and do some hit ups down the middle. Defensively he is suppose to be solid one on one? I really think Bowen, Ponga, and Mosby will bring something that the Cowboys haven't had since Matty Bowen, Tye Williams and Sing left. The ability to hurt opposition teams from anywhere on the field.
terrence
Guest
Yes, you can see that next contract halving as I type, especially with no medical retirement from the NRL. Maybe now the Knights/Cowboys will offer $1m for three years for this 31yo instead of close to $1m a year.
Nambawan
Guest
Whoever they put in Cowboys will not have any problems with the Manly pop gun pack!
Jimmmy
Guest
It seems Green likes to give Jake a rest at some stage so we need a utility who can play hooker on the bench. It has worked marvellously so far and I think he would be reluctant to play Jake for 80.
Jimmmy
Guest
Thanks mate. I know salary cap pressure is strongly against us but Penrith could field two sides with the number of quality players they have. Our depth seems to make us a little vulnerable, especially in the front row ranks.
KingCowboy
Guest
Not bad Rob but we can't carry Mosby on the bench. Get an injury in the forwards and we would be done
Rob
Guest
The Cowboys can't replace a player of Matt Scott's calibre from the current squad. They can however reinvent themselves in attack with Ponga and Bowen replacing Coote and Winterstien. It could be a blessing in disguise I believe for the backline to have an injection of speed and skill. The go forward will be heavly impacted but some good smart interchanges will give the Cowboys a hugh advantage of speed and footwork through the middle. I'd like to see 1) Ponga 2)Bowen 3) O'niell 4)Morgan 5) Feldt 6) Hampton 7) JT 8) Bolton 9) Granville 10) Hess 11) Cooper 12) Lowe 13) Fensom 14) Linnett 15) Mosby 16) Asiata 17) Kaufusi.
KingCowboy
Guest
Think he received a great offer from Gould. Maybe it is time to come home?
Jimmmy
Guest
Why did we lose Kiikau ?? Surely we could have matched Penrith? Or didn't he want to say. He looks pretty good to my eye.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I guess the only good thing this week is they're playing Manly who are missing a couple of big bodies themselves so would be a good game to let some young forwards have a shot. The biggest pack is Raiders who they have already played. Get Titans away which will be a test then Rabbits and Tigers at home where the conditions don't really favour big men from visiting teams then Dragons. Good time to blood some of the prop possibles. JT is going to have to use his boot a lot more wisely to help his forwards out.
KingCowboy
Guest
Hess can play in the middle no problem at all.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Yeah I would too, but theres no need ATM. Not with GGM, KP and Bowen.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Really sad to hear about Matt Scott being out for the season. The Cowboys were already short a big man and now lose Scott who is just a quality prop that brings yards consistently every game. They'll need to find a big body and the guys in the rotation will really need to step up this year.
KingCowboy
Guest
Love Matty Scott as well EJ but that is the risk you run when you don't sign on the dotted line. I know that is harsh but that is the way it goes. He will be looked after by the club after his playing days are over.
Albo
Guest
Well they have John Asiata or Patriick Kaufusi ? Both tradesmen like without being outstanding. Or would they try to convert Coen Hess into a prop ? Has the running power ? Or maybe bring up Shaun Fensom for his tackling around the rucks? I reckon they have enough options to get by.
KingCowboy
Guest
I want to see young Jensen get a start for us on the wing at some stage this year. Maybe this is the week? He was a tall boy last year in the under 20's and once he grows into his body, i think he will be one of the top wingers in the comp.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Shocking news for Matt Scott, one of the true great blokes of the NRL. Really poor timing as well in relation to contract talks at this stage of his career. Not the easiest injury to come back from and he isn't getting any younger. I'd say it would definitely impact him at the negotiating table.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Yeah I would highly doubt they would, was said tounge in cheek. The Storm need him this year as much as we do. We do have a bunch of decent enough forwards in the QCup squads so one of them might bash down the door. This week I have: Ponga in for Coote Bowen in for Winterstein Fensom in for JT2 Asiata/Kaufusi in for Scott Uele/Jensen on the Bench I believe Hoare is out, he got concussed on the weekend.
KingCowboy
Guest
Yer mate agree with McLean but that won't happen. Maybe we try and bring Sims home from the UK. Coach Green knows what he is doing, he will come up with a great solution.