Concerns over Shaun Fensom's return from a horror leg break quickly eased after North Queensland coach Paul Green realised who they were playing.
The Cowboys forward appeared a risk after being pitchforked into their 17 for Friday night's NRL clash with Canberra with just one Queensland Cup game under his belt since his nasty 2017 grand final injury.
But Green said the fact Fensom was taking on his former club all but ensured he'd be right.
"He's looking forward to it being against his old club. I expect him to go out there and do his job," he said.
"He's an old pro. He knows what is expected from him."
Fensom replaces John Asiata (pectoral) on the bench in his first NRL game since the sickening incident just four minutes into last year's decider.
And Green reckons his return couldn't have come soon enough as North Queensland take on a monster Raiders pack.
Asked what difference he makes to his middle defence, Green said: "Hopefully a big difference.
"They are a big physical pack. We will have our work cut out for us.
"But it is only (Fensom's) second game back so we don't expect him to knock out 80 minutes.
"But one thing about Fenno, whatever he has got, he will give you."
The 29-year-old made his NRL debut for Canberra in 2009 and played 130 matches for them before switching to the Cowboys last year.
North Queensland snapped a worrying five game losing run with last round's 26-14 win over Gold Coast while Canberra were beaten 42-22 by South Sydney.
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Cowboys hold a nine match winning streak over the Raiders in Townsville, their last loss was in round 12, 2006.
* Canberra has scored the most points in the opening 20 minutes of matches (64) this season but the Cowboys have scored the fewest (12)
* The Raiders are the worst defensive team in the opening 20 minutes, conceding 56 points, while the Cowboys have conceded 42 (equal fifth most).
