The rise of unheralded veteran Scott Bolton has ensured North Queensland co-captain Matt Scott is not feeling any pressure to inspire the Cowboys pack in James Tamou's absence this NRL season.
North Queensland looked set to rely on veteran forward Scott - 32 in July - more than ever in 2017 after fellow Test prop Tamou defected to Penrith.
But Scott claimed he was not feeling the heat, backing the evergreen Bolton to step up in Tamou's absence.
Bolton - 30 in May - is expected to fill the front row vacancy created by Tamou in North Queensland's NRL season opener against Canberra in Townsville on Saturday night.
"We are definitely not missing too much by having him in there," Scott said of Bolton replacing Tamou.
"Bolts is one of our most senior players, a guy who has always done his job - he's a steadying influence in the front row.
"When you have someone like him coming in, it takes the pressure off everyone else.
Scott paid tribute to the off contract Bolton, who will get a chance to nail down a front row start in his 11th NRL season.
He has only ever played for North Queensland since making his NRL debut back in 2007.
The dependable Bolton got his shot after averaging 96 metres per game the last three seasons, largely off the bench.
"Me and Bolts are similar players in that we get through our work and both work hard off the ball also," Scott told AAP.
"There's no pressure there for me to provide momentum for the team - we are well placed to do so."
Scott also believes they have the depth to cover the loss of retired forward Ben Hannant after Sam Hoare and Patrick Kaufusi impressed in the pre-season.
"It's good to see guys like Kaufusi and Hoare chasing spots, there's a great opportunity for them to cement a spot in the 17," he said.
