Matt Scott's comeback story has a fairytale ring to it.
And it could be a happily ever after because North Queensland rookie Corey Jensen says he would consider giving Scott his premiership ring should they win next week's NRL grand final.
Jensen stands as the man most likely to make way for Scott should the co-captain complete a stunning return from a knee reconstruction to face Melbourne.
But if Cowboys coach Paul Green sticks with the same 17 players that got them to this point, then Jensen knows he would have to think about giving up his individual prize.
"It's a hard one, to be honest," Jensen tells AAP.
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"He's been there. Even though he hasn't played since round two, he's been there for support for the whole year. I couldn't do it without him."
While Scott has worked hard for five months to make himself available for the biggest week on the NRL calendar, Jensen has been at it for almost five years.
A local junior from Bowen, two hours south of Cowboys headquarters, the former vice-captain of their under-20s team was turned away from the club at the end of 2014.
He didn't get his second chance until last summer.
"I went into the Cowboys system but after that I didn't pick up an NRL deal straight away so I went back to the Queensland Cup, played for Townsville Blackhawks," Jensen said.
"That was their inaugural year and played two years there. I was lucky enough to get an NRL deal for one year this year.
"I only dreamt of playing one NRL game this year; that was my goal being my first year in the NRL. To play 16 and get to a grand final is a dream come true."
Green sprung a shock last week when he included Scott in a 21-man squad for their preliminary final, just six months and two weeks after tearing his ACL.
Jensen knew he could be the one tapped on the shoulder to go.
"It's tough to deal with because you probably know that you might be the one that misses out. He's a huge part of the club and he's our captain," he said.
That's why he will understand if Green goes the other way this week.
"Thumper's a legend of the game. If he was to come back and I was unlucky to miss out, then whatever's best for the team," Jensen said.
"He's a great addition to the squad and just having him around the squad has been huge for us and huge for me as well. Whatever happens, happens.
"But for Greeny to have faith in me in such a big game, it's a huge confidence boost for me. Hopefully I'll be there next week and do the same job."
