Corey Jensen says he's ready to step up for injured North Queensland co-captain Matt Scott against Melbourne - but he doesn't think he'll need to.
Scott was named at prop for Friday's round 12 Townsville clash with Jensen on the bench, the Test front-rower still to prove his fitness after suffering a knee injury last week.
Jensen however is tipping Scott to take the field and cement Queensland selection while he's at it.
"I would be happy to put my hand up (to replace Scott). But in saying that ... I know what Thumper (Scott) is like - he is a real tough character," Jensen said.
"He will do everything he can to be there (against Melbourne) and I am sure barring injury he will be out there come Origin time.
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"It would be great to have Thumper out there (against Melbourne).
"He's an inspiration to the club. He is trying everything he can to try and get out on the field and I am sure he will (on Friday)."
Cowboys coach Paul Green admitted he would not know if 22 Origin game veteran Scott was playing until Thursday's captain's run.
The North Queensland workhorse limped from the field in last week's last-minute loss to South Sydney with initial forecasts suggesting a one-to-three week lay-off.
"He hasn't trained fully (this week). He did a bit of running (on Tuesday) which is a positive sign," Green said.
"If he gets through the week we will see how he goes but we won't know until the back end of the week."
While there is still a question mark over Scott, Jensen was breathing a sigh of relief after fearing the Queensland prop had suffered another ACL injury against the Rabbitohs.
"It's exactly what I thought, to be honest," he said.
"I was out there when it happened and it didn't sound too good when he went down.
"Thankfully it is nothing like that and hopefully he will be out there (on Friday)."
