Matt Scott admits he may have to exorcise mental demons before running out in Friday night's NRL clash with Brisbane, almost 12 months after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the corresponding match.
The North Queensland co-captain has backed up well from last week's season opening 20-14 win over Cronulla - his first NRL game since his fateful round-two clash with the Broncos in 2017.
Scott said there was no problem with his knee despite allegations by Cowboys backrower Gavin Cooper that Cronulla used "dirty tactics" and tried to twist the Test prop's leg in his comeback match.
The Cowboys enforcer said he had not second guessed himself since launching his injury comeback but admitted he may have to face some inner demons before kick-off on Friday.
"There's no mental demons about what happened last year - it could happen in any game," Scott said.
"(But) I have to be prepared for that (mental demons) and if it does happen I will deal with it but right now it is about trying to improve."
However, Scott said his comeback had been made easier by the Cowboys' bench.
He said having Queensland backrower Coen Hess, veteran prop Scott Bolton, hulking utility John Asiata and Corey Jensen on the interchange gave him breathing space as he looked to click with Melbourne recruit Jordan McLean.
"It takes the pressure off the starting forwards that's for sure," Scott said.
"We don't have to punch out huge minutes.
"We can really concentrate on getting some quality while we are out there.
"The (bench) are really good at upping the tempo - it's a comfort having that bench there."
Scott ran 94m and made 16 tackles in the season opening win over the Sharks last Friday night.
It was the first time he had chimed into what Cooper has dubbed the "wolf pack" - Scott, Kangaroos forward McLean and rampaging lock Jason Taumalolo.
Scott said it would take time for the trio to gel after a hot and cold round one effort against the Sharks.
McLean in particular was frustrated with his Cowboys debut, complaining that he had not demanded enough ball.
"I think he was a bit disappointed with his involvement," Scott said of McLean.
"But it was his first full game in these colours.
"He will get into our rhythm and routines as we go."
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