North Queensland stand-in skipper Gavin Cooper is buoyed by the shock return of co-captain Matt Scott to the Cowboys squad but isn't sure if he'll play in Saturday's NRL preliminary final.
Scott is a chance of making a stunning comeback from a knee reconstruction after being named on Tuesday in the Cowboys' 21-man squad to take on the Sydney Roosters.
The Queensland and Kangaroos star completed Wednesday's training session, but was limited in contact along with Coen Hess (knee), PJ Asiata (hand) and Scott Bolton (niggles).
Green has already stated Scott's inclusion hinges on whether their wounded players pull through the week, however none are considered in danger of missing the match.
"He looked sharp out there at training, but playing and training after coming back from a (reconstruction) are two different things," Cooper said on Wednesday.
"Greeny's already said yesterday if everyone is fit from last weekend, the team won't change."
Cooper admitted Scott's veteran presence was felt in what was hot conditions during their first training session of the week in Townsville.
"I had to get out of the way, I don't like him running at me. He trains a bit too hard. He looked good. His arms look big," Cooper said.
"For him, I know it's another step closer to getting back. I'm not too sure it'd happen."
The possible return of the 32-year-old Scott would be a huge boost for a Cowboys side aiming to claim its second premiership in three years.
Undersized forward Shaun Fensom has been named to start alongside Bolton, while Corey Jenson joins Asiata and Hess complete their big men rotation off the bench.
"We'll wait and see. But like I keep saying, I don't expect the team to change," Cooper said.
Hess also finished the run despite his right knee being heavily strapped.
"He's good. He's got little bandy legs, he's only 21 years old so he'll be fine. Everyone saw the player he will be for a long time throughout this year," Cooper said.
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