North Queensland prop Matt Scott is eyeing off world domination with the Cowboys after hailing his off-season neck surgery a success.
Scott went under the surgeon's knife following the Cowboys' dramatic NRL grand final victory.
The veteran had been managing a neck and back injury all season, which was causing him constant pain.
But Scott, who has returned to full training, says the surgery couldn't have gone any better and he's expecting to play in next month's World Club Challenge against Leeds.
"It's not that it's getting better. It's just not as bad as it was," Scott said.
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"I don't have all the referred pain down my arms and back and chest like there has been previously.
"The surgery's obviously a success and it's quite good to be able to go out and train and be in a bit less pain."
Scott says his aim is to test himself in the Cowboys' pre-season trial on February 11 against feeder club Townsville Blackhawks.
If he comes through that, the Queensland and Australian star expects to be on the plane to England to take on Leeds on February 21.
Scott says Johnathan Thurston's decision to miss the NRL All Stars fixture shows how much the Cowboys want to beat their English opposition.
"There's probably no one in the game who has done more for their heritage both off and on the field," Scott said.
"No one can question JT in that regard, so for him to pull out really shows he's concentrating on this game. He's taking it very seriously."
